CBS NEWS: Florida Panthers to Host New York Rangers in Historic 2026 NHL Winter Classic
Miami, FL – April 10, 2025
The NHL has officially announced that the Florida Panthers will host the New York Rangers in the 2026 Winter Classic, marking a historic moment as the first-ever outdoor NHL game held in the state of Florida. The marquee event is set to take place on January 2, 2026, at LoanDepot Park in Miami, home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins.
Commissioner Gary Bettman made the announcement during a special press conference at the Panthers’ FLA Live Arena, alongside team executives, city officials, and representatives from both franchises. The league hopes the tropical twist on its annual outdoor tradition will help grow the game in non-traditional markets while delivering an unforgettable experience for fans across the country.
“This will be a Winter Classic unlike any other,” Bettman said. “Bringing outdoor hockey to South Florida is not just about showcasing the sport in a unique environment—it’s a celebration of how far the game has come in expanding its reach. The Florida Panthers are an elite team with a passionate and growing fan base, and the Rangers bring with them one of the most iconic brands in hockey.”
The Panthers, currently one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, will be making their first appearance in a Winter Classic. Meanwhile, the Rangers, who last played in the outdoor event in 2018, bring historic prestige and a strong following, promising a high-stakes showdown on a national stage.
LoanDepot Park will undergo a massive transformation to accommodate the game. The stadium’s retractable roof allows for flexibility in case of Florida’s unpredictable winter weather, ensuring ideal ice conditions. NHL officials are already working with local crews and ice technicians to prepare the site for the league’s elaborate Winter Classic production.
Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov expressed his excitement, calling it “a dream come true.”
“To be part of something this big, in front of our fans, under the sun in Miami—it’s unbelievable,” Barkov said. “We’ve worked hard to build hockey culture here, and this is a huge milestone for the team and the sport in Florida.”
Team executives are expecting a sellout crowd, with an estimated 35,000 fans projected to attend. Special jerseys for both teams will be unveiled later this year, with early teasers suggesting retro-themed designs paying homage to each franchise’s history.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised the announcement, noting the event’s economic and cultural significance.
“This is more than a game—it’s a celebration of sports in our great state,” DeSantis said. “We’re proud to host such a monumental event and show the world that Florida is a true hockey destination.”
With ticket demand expected to soar, the Panthers have already launched a pre-sale registration for season ticket holders and fan club members. NHL officials confirmed that the game will be nationally broadcast on CBS and available for streaming via Paramount+.
As the countdown begins for this landmark event, South Florida is preparing to embrace winter in a whole new way—ice, palm trees, and all.