The Florida Panthers have never appeared in an outdoor game. This is set to change in 2026 when they host the New York Rangers for the Winter Classic.

SUNRISE, Fla. – The National Hockey League announced today that the Discover 2026 NHL Winter Classic will feature the Florida Panthers hosting the New York Rangers at loanDepot park, home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins, on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. TNT will broadcast the 2026 NHL Winter Classic exclusively in the U.S.

The Rangers’ 2025-26 schedule will include another outdoor game, with the Blueshirts set to face the Panthers in the Winter Classic at loanDepot Park in Miami on Jan. 2, 2026, the league announced Wednesday.

The NHL announced Wednesday that the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers will play host to the New York Rangers at loanDepot Park in Miami — home of baseball’s Marlins — on Jan. 2, 2026, in the Winter Classic, with the Tampa Bay Lightning playing host to the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 1, 2026, in a Stadium Series game.

Every year since 2008, the NHL has played at least one game outdoors whether it be in the Winter Classic, Stadium Series or Heritage Classic. Almost every time these games are scheduled, they're scheduled for cold weather sites because, you know, if it's too warm the ice will melt. Melted ice isn't great conditions for a hockey game.

The Florida Panthers are going to host the NHL Winter Classic. They will be facing one of the oldest rivals of the Panthers: the New York Rangers. That's right, first the Rangers go to Mystery, Alaska,

Classic will feature the Panthers against the Rangers at the Miami Marlins' home park and the Stadium Series game will be played between the Lightning and Bruins at the home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The National Hockey League is enjoying growth in Florida, where two of its most successful current franchises, the Lightning and Panthers, play.