Cart is empty 
On January 2, 2026, the National Hockey League rewrites its outdoor-game history as the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic makes its long-awaited debut in South Florida. Under the lights of loanDepot park in Miami, the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers will meet in a primetime showdown that brings hockey tradition into one of the most unexpected and electric backdrops the sport has ever seen.
This landmark matchup is more than a regular-season game. It represents the first outdoor NHL contest ever staged in Florida and places two powerhouse franchises on center stage as the League charges into a fast-paced stretch before players depart for the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games in February. With puck drop set for 8 p.m. ET, the Winter Classic becomes the focal point of a busy NHL calendar and a celebration of the sport’s expanding national footprint.
The Rangers arrive in Miami with a spotless record in outdoor appearances, having won all five of their previous games under the open sky. For the Panthers, this will be their first outdoor showcase, adding even more significance as they continue to cement their status as one of the League’s modern dynasties. With championship aspirations and deep rosters on both sides, the game promises playoff-level intensity in a setting more often associated with baseball and summer nights.
Beyond the on-ice action, the Winter Classic experience begins hours before the opening faceoff. Fans heading to loanDepot park can take part in the Enterprise NHL PreGame celebration, transforming the surrounding plaza into a festival of hockey culture. From live music and family-friendly attractions to interactive games and photo opportunities with the Stanley Cup itself, the pregame festivities turn the entire afternoon into a destination event, not just a three-period contest.
Fashion and fan gear are also taking center stage in Miami. The 2026 Winter Classic collection blends classic hockey heritage with bold South Florida energy, introducing neon-inspired designs, throwback sweaters, and vibrant accessories that reflect both team histories and the city’s unmistakable style. Fans looking to secure authentic Winter Classic apparel can explore the curated Winter Classic gear available through Pro Merch, making it easy to arrive at the stadium outfitted for the occasion and to commemorate a truly unique NHL moment.
The Miami Winter Classic arrives during a season filled with milestones and marquee storylines across the League, but its location alone makes it a standout. It symbolizes how hockey continues to grow beyond its traditional markets, bringing the sport to new audiences while honoring the rituals that longtime fans cherish.
As the Rangers and Panthers prepare to skate beneath the South Florida sky, January 2 will mark more than just another game on the schedule. It will be remembered as the night winter met Miami, when two elite teams delivered high-stakes hockey in one of the most unexpected and unforgettable settings the NHL has ever staged.