MIAMI – The National Hockey League (NHL) today announced that loanDepot park will make history by hosting the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic on January 2, 2026. As the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers take on the New York Rangers, the game will mark the first time that the state of Florida has ever hosted an outdoor NHL game. In addition, loanDepot park will become the southernmost site to play host to the NHL Winter Classic.
“Stanley Cups, strings of sellouts and the exponential growth of youth and high school hockey throughout the state have demonstrated that Florida is a hockey hotbed. Outdoor NHL games in the Sunshine State? Never let it be said that our League isn’t willing to accept a challenge,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
“The Panthers and Lightning have told us repeatedly that they and their fans want this special experience. 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. Florida, we’re bringing our unique events to you, and we can’t wait.”
“It is an honor to work with the NHL and Florida Panthers to bring the magic of outdoor hockey to South Florida,” said Marlins President of Business Caroline O’Connor. “The NHL Winter Classic is an iconic sporting event, and we are excited to bring it to loanDepot park for our community to experience. A special thank you to David Oxfeld and Anthony Favata from our Leadership Team for their thorough work on this incredible opportunity, and to Matt Caldwell from the Florida Panthers along with Keith Wachtel and the NHL team for their support and trust in our shared vision. We look forward to making history with our fans and further establishing loanDepot park’s reputation as a marquee entertainment venue.”
“After the success and fan reception of the 2023 All-Star Game and two Stanley Cup Finals in South Florida, we are thrilled to welcome another marquee NHL event in the Winter Classic,” said Panthers President and CEO Matt Caldwell. “We have long anticipated this moment and can’t wait to see loanDepot park filled with hockey fans for what promises to be a memorable matchup in South Florida.”
The NHL Winter Classic is one of the sport’s signature annual events, and this will serve as the 17th NHL Winter Classic, as well as the 44th NHL regular season outdoor game. It will also mark the first time in franchise history that the Panthers have participated in an outdoor game.
Additional details for the game, including ticketing information, will be announced at a later date. Marlins Members will have priority access to tickets for the 2026 NHL Winter Classic.
Please head to Marlins.com/WinterClassic for the latest information on this must-experience event.
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