Prepare for a historic clash on the ice this weekend! The Florida Panthers and New York Rangers are set to face off in the 2026 NHL Winter Classic, marking the first time the game is being held in Florida for an outdoor spectacle like no other.
With South Florida at the center of the hockey universe for the inaugural outdoor event, we’ve got everything you need to know if you go:
When and where is the 2026 NHL Winter Classic?
The Panthers-Rangers matchup is set for January 2, 2026, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and puck drop at 8 p.m. It’ll take place at the home of the Miami Marlins, loanDepot park, making it the southernmost venue in the event’s history.
How exactly will it work?
You may be wondering how they’ll manage to pull off an outdoor hockey game in Miami, but it’s not entirely impossible. The NHL has been building the ice rink within the retractable roof stadium and the keeping the air conditioning on blast. According to the league, “The floor of the Winter Classic ice rink is made of 283 aluminum ice pans. A mobile refrigeration unit pumps glycol through pipes to the pans and back to the truck to transfer heat.”
Of course, the roof won’t be closed once the game starts and Miami’s weather is supposed to be on the cooler side.
On theme with the weather contrast, half of the field will look like it’s covered in sand, featuring flamingos, umbrella beach chairs and a lifeguard tower. The other half will be a winter wonderland, with snowflakes and artificial flurries to be sprayed over certain sections of the crowd.
What else can I expect besides the match?
Your game-day ticket will grant you access to an NHL PreGame Fan Fest, which includes hockey-themed games, a chance to see the Stanley Cup and a live performance by rising singer-songwriter Role Model. The all-ages festival will go down in West Lot 3 and West Plaza from 2 to 8 p.m.
Grammy-winning artist Luis Fonsi will also make an appearance at the game for the opening ceremony, performing “Despacito” as the teams take the ice.
What will parking be like?
There are parking passes currently available online that you can book in advance.
Where can I watch the NHL Winter Classic?
If you can’t make it to the game in person, it will be broadcast live on TNT, HBO Max and truTV in the U.S., as well as Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada.
Learn more on the NHL website.