Although ice hockey isn’t typically associated with sunshine, beaches, and palm trees, the NHL announced on Wednesday that it will conduct outdoor games in Florida for the first time next season.

The Florida Panthers are set to welcome the New York Rangers for the Winter Classic on January 2 at the Miami Marlins’ Major League Baseball stadium. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning will battle the Boston Bruins in a Stadium Series game on February 1, 2026 at the home stadium of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In 2024, the Panthers celebrated their first Stanley Cup victory, while the Lightning are three-time champions, having won back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021.

“The success of Stanley Cups, countless sold-out games, and the rapid growth of youth and high school hockey in Florida highlight that the state is a thriving hockey center,” stated NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in a news release.

“Outdoor NHL games in the Sunshine State? Our league isn’t afraid to take on a challenge.”

Over the past three decades since the NHL expanded into Florida, both teams have seen considerable success, with each of the last five Stanley Cup Finals featuring a Florida team.

Hosting outdoor games has become a regular part of the NHL’s schedule, taking place in some of the most famous baseball and football stadiums.

The NHL has previously held outdoor games in warmer areas, such as Los Angeles, Dallas, and Nashville.

The 2024-25 NHL season’s Winter Classic occurred on December 31 in Chicago, with Columbus scheduled for a Stadium Series match in March.