For the first time in history, NHL ice hockey will be played outdoors in sun-drenched Florida. Next season, it is planned that two matches will be decided under the open sky in "The Sunshine State".
The reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers will host one, against New York Rangers, at the baseball arena Loandepot park in Miami on January 2, 2026. In the other, on February 1, 2026, Tampa Bay Lightning will face Boston Bruins at the NFL arena Raymond James stadium, where American football is usually played.
"Outdoor matches in 'The Sunshine State'? You'll never be able to accuse our league of not daring to take on a challenge", says NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement on nhl.com.
