Photo: Tony Garcia / Stone / Getty Images
Miami, FL - Miami will host a milestone event in professional hockey when the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers meet in the 2026 NHL Winter Classic, bringing the league’s signature outdoor game to South Florida for the first time.
The National Hockey League announced that the Panthers will host the Rangers today at loanDepot Park, the home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins.
The game marks the first outdoor regular season NHL contest ever played in Florida and the southernmost Winter Classic venue in league history.
Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern, with the game airing nationally in prime time.
A temporary ice rink will be constructed on the baseball field inside loanDepot Park, which can accommodate tens of thousands of fans for the event.
The stadium’s retractable roof provides flexibility in managing weather conditions, while still allowing for an open air atmosphere if conditions permit.
NHL officials say the venue offers a unique opportunity to blend hockey tradition with Miami’s distinctive setting.
The Panthers enter the matchup as one of the league’s top teams after recent championship success, making the game a showcase moment for the franchise in its home market.
The Rangers, one of the NHL’s most recognizable teams, will add another outdoor appearance to their history, having previously participated in several outdoor games.
The Winter Classic has become one of the NHL’s marquee events, typically held around New Year’s Day and designed to celebrate the sport in nontraditional settings.
The Miami game reflects the league’s continued focus on expanding hockey’s reach and visibility in warm weather markets while maintaining the event’s national appeal.
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