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For the first time in National Hockey League history, outdoor hockey is heading to South Florida. The 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic will be played on Friday, January 2, 2026, inside loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, as the Florida Panthers host the New York Rangers in a landmark matchup that reshapes what the Winter Classic can be.
This unprecedented event officially becomes the southernmost outdoor game ever staged by the NHL, pushing the Winter Classic into uncharted territory both geographically and culturally. It is not simply another installment of the league’s signature outdoor series—it is a bold expansion of hockey’s footprint into a new climate, a new audience, and a new identity.
A Stadium Transformed for Outdoor Hockey
loanDepot park, best known as the home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins, will undergo a dramatic transformation for the Winter Classic. The stadium’s retractable roof will remain fully open, allowing fans to experience the spectacle under the open Florida night sky.
To ensure competitive ice conditions in Miami’s tropical climate, the NHL is deploying two specialized ice-making trucks and constructing a thicker-than-standard ice sheet, engineered to withstand heat, humidity, and condensation. It is one of the most technologically advanced ice builds the league has ever attempted—underscoring just how seriously the NHL is taking this historic venture.
Game Time, Broadcast Coverage, and Accessibility
- Puck Drop: 8:00 PM ET
- United States Broadcast: TNT and truTV, with streaming available on HBO Max
- Canada Broadcast: Sportsnet and TVA Sports
In a major step forward for inclusive broadcasting, the NHL will also provide an “NHL in ASL” alternate broadcast, offering full American Sign Language commentary for Deaf and hard-of-hearing fans—further expanding the Winter Classic’s reach and accessibility.
Fan Festival and Live Entertainment
The Winter Classic will extend well beyond the rink with the NHL PreGame Fan Festival presented by Enterprise, running from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET in West Lot 3 and the West Plaza at loanDepot park. The festival will feature interactive experiences, sponsor activations, exclusive merchandise, and community programming designed to immerse fans in the spectacle long before puck drop.
Adding to the atmosphere, alternative-pop breakout artist Role Model (Tucker Pillsbury) will headline entertainment during both the pregame festival and the first intermission performance, delivering a live soundtrack to one of the NHL’s most visually striking events ever staged.
Heritage-Inspired Jerseys Designed for the Moment
Both teams will wear exclusive Winter Classic uniforms that blend history, nostalgia, and modern design.
- Florida Panthers: A cream-toned jersey accented with rich gold detailing evokes a 1930s-era aesthetic, paired with yellow-gold gloves and pants for a refined, vintage presentation that aligns perfectly with Miami’s Art Deco heritage.
- New York Rangers: The Rangers will debut a Centennial-inspired uniform that honors the franchise’s legacy while integrating modern tailoring and premium materials.
These limited-edition designs are expected to become instant collector favorites.
Fans and collectors can explore official Winter Classic–inspired apparel, headwear, and accessories through Pro Merch’s dedicated NHL Winter Classic collection:
👉 https://pro-merch.com/product-category/nhl/winter-classic/
Tickets and Game Day Policies
- Ticket Availability: A limited number of tickets remain available through Ticketmaster. Demand is exceptionally high due to the historic nature of the game.
- Bag Policy: Only bags smaller than 4 x 6 x 1.5 inches are permitted. Medical and diaper bags are allowed with inspection.
Why the 2026 Winter Classic Redefines the Series
This is more than a hockey game—it is a cultural statement. The 2026 Winter Classic represents the NHL’s most ambitious expansion of its outdoor brand to date, proving that the sport’s traditions can thrive far beyond frozen climates.
From cutting-edge ice technology and inclusive broadcasts to Miami nightlife, heritage jerseys, and premium collectibles, the Winter Classic in Miami fuses tradition with innovation in a way the league has never attempted before.
For fans looking to commemorate this once-in-a-generation event, Pro Merch stands as the premier destination for officially licensed Winter Classic gear, including jerseys, hats, hoodies, and exclusive memorabilia:
👉 https://pro-merch.com/product-category/nhl/winter-classic/
The 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic is not just making history—it is redefining what outdoor hockey can be. And in Miami, under palm trees and open skies, the NHL is about to write one of its most unforgettable chapters yet.