In 2026, the NHL intends to stage two outdoor contests in Florida.

• The National Hockey League has revealed plans for two outdoor games in Florida in the upcoming year.
• Hockey has seen real growth in the state over the last three decades.
• The events are expected to attract about 100,000 fans.

The National Hockey League is ready to take on outdoor hockey in Florida.

The NHL will hold its first outdoor games in Florida on Wednesday.

Two matchups are scheduled for the league next year, including a Winter Classic game and a Stadium Series contest.

On January 2, 2026, the first game will take place at LoanDepot Park, the home of Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins, with the Florida Panthers hosting the New York Rangers.

In one month, the NHL will repeat the event in Tampa, with the Tampa Bay Lightning hosting the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium, the home stadium of the National Football League's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

But why host a winter sport outdoors in a warm-weather state?

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that Florida's Stanley Cups, sellout crowds, and the rapid expansion of youth and high school hockey in the state prove that Florida is a hockey powerhouse. He emphasized that the league is always ready to embrace challenges.

The league announced that it will use the LoanDepot Park roof in Miami to keep the ice from melting until the game starts. The roof will then open for the game, which will be held outdoors and under stadium lights.

The NHL will construct a roof structure over the ice at Raymond James Stadium for the game, making it a bigger challenge for Tampa.

The NHL expects to require a similar amount of preparation and lead time for setting up stadiums as it has for other outdoor events.

The cost of matchups will be higher than a typical Winter Classic or Stadium Series game, according to Steve Mayer, president of NHL content and events.

"Building a new structure is a complex task that we haven't encountered before," he stated. "The state of Florida sports commission is providing valuable support for our event."

The league said it expects about 100,000 people to attend both events combined.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers have been a bright spot for the NHL in Florida, winning a combined four Stanley Cups since joining the league more than 30 years ago. The Panthers currently hold the title of league champions.

That success is translating off the ice.

According to CNBC's Official NHL Valuations, the Lightning are now worth $1.8 billion and the Panthers are valued at $1.35 billion.

A new generation of young fans is being created due to the growing popularity of hockey in Florida.

Since 1999, the number of ice hockey registrations in Florida has increased by 212%, with over 21,000 players registered last season, according to the NHL. Additionally, girls' hockey participation in Florida has seen a 16% yearly increase and a 56% rise over the past eight years, the league stated.

The growth in Florida hockey can be attributed to the interest of snowbirds in the sport and the local communities' support for the Panthers and Lightning.

The NHL recognizes the risks associated with hosting outdoor games in Florida but believes the benefits outweigh the costs.

"Mayer stated that there is always some level of risk involved in any game, regardless of the location. However, he added that Florida has shown a strong commitment to hockey and the growth of the sport, making it the ideal time to take on this risk."