The NHL 2026 Winter Classic Location and Teams Have Been Revealed

At this past 2025 Winter Classic, two fans from Florida, Nikolajs Slavin and his son, flew out to Chicago to watch the Chicago Blackhawks vs St. Louis Blues outdoor game at Wrigley Field.

Slavin Jr. wore a Winter Classic toque and Connor Bedard Jersey, but was repping a Florida Panthers 30th Anniversary hoodie underneath. His father also wore a Miami Marlins hoodie.

These Panther fans from West Palm Beach, Florida, traveled north to attend the NHL Winter Classic figuring they would never get a chance to attend this annual event in their home town.

Little did he know, it is happening.

The NHL will not only play one outdoor game next season, but two, in the state of Florida and it has been confirmed this Wednesday by the league.

The 2026 Winter Classic has been announced to be hosted by the Florida Panthers at the loanDepot Park in Miami against their rivals, the New York Rangers on January 2nd, 2026.

This will be the 17th Winter Classic, with Florida becoming the 17th different team to participate.

This will also be by far the southernmost location to host any outdoor game, let alone, the Winter Classic.

The 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series will also be hosted by Tampa Bay Lightning at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, playing against the Boston Bruins on February 1st, 2026.

Although many fans believed the day would never come, they could not be happier that the time is finally here.

How do you feel about this match-up? Do you think the Panthers will take the win from their first ever outdoor home game?