The Florida Panthers will host the 2026 Winter Classic next season against the New York Rangers at loanDepot Park in Miami, the NHL announced on Wednesday. The game will take place on Jan. 2, 2026.
“It’s going to be a little unusual,’’ NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said last week before the official announcement. “It’s going to be a little more unique, some people will think we’ve lost our minds. ... And it’s going to be good.’’
The 2026 Winter Classic will mark the first time the NHL will play an "outdoor" game in the state of Florida. It will also be the first one involving the Panthers, leaving the Utah Hockey Club — formerly the Arizona Coyotes — as the only team to never take part in the event. The Chicago Blackhawks lead the way with seven appearances following their participation in this season's Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.
In the press release, Bettman cited the the recent spate of Stanley Cups won by the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers as part of the reason for holding the Classic in Florida, as well as the growth of youth and high school hockey.
"Outdoor NHL games in the Sunshine State? Never let it be said that our League isn’t willing to accept a challenge,” Bettman said.
No intrastate matchup vs. Lightning
The Rangers will serve as the visitors in the Stadium Series game, which will leave many wondering why the NHL didn't go with the Panthers' natural rivals in the Tampa Bay Lightning. The reason for that is that the Lightning are getting their own game at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Feb. 1.
“The Panthers and Lightning have told us repeatedly that they and their fans want this special experience," Bettman said in the release. "Beginning in Miami on Jan. 2, when the Panthers host the Rangers in the Discover NHL Winter Classic, we will stage a month-long celebration of hockey throughout Florida that will culminate in Tampa on Feb. 1, when the Lightning host the Bruins in the Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series."
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