The Tampa Bay Lightning have had over a decade of proven success, now the hockey world gets to see it first hand.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have had over a decade of proven success, now the hockey world gets to see it first hand.
It’s official, The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to host the NHL Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium on February 1, 2026 against a divisional opponent, the Boston Bruins.
One could say the Stanley Cup runs through the state of Florida. With the Florida Panthers hosting the 2026 NHL Winter Classic at Miami’s LoanDepot Park, the Stadium Series game in Tampa will give the state two outdoor NHL games next season.
Together, the two Florida teams have combined to bring the Stanley Cup home three times in the past five seasons, two of those coming from Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021.
“Stanley Cups, strings of sellouts and the exponential growth of youth and high school hockey throughout the state have demonstrated that Florida is a hockey hotbed. Outdoor NHL games in the Sunshine State? Never let it be said that our League isn’t willing to accept a challenge,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
“The Panthers and Lightning have told us repeatedly that they and their fans want this special experience. Beginning in Miami on Jan. 2, when the Panthers host the Rangers in the Discover NHL Winter Classic, we will stage a month-long celebration of hockey throughout Florida that will culminate in Tampa on Feb. 1, when the Lightning host the Bruins in the Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series. Florida, we’re bringing our unique events to you, and we can’t wait.”
As for the Lightning’s opponent, the Boston Bruins have had their fair share of head-to-head matchups against the team in Tampa Bay. This one should be no different.
As a city, Tampa prides itself on being a hub for special events, hosting Super Bowls, Gasparilla, multiple Final Four games, college national championships, Taylor Swift and Beyonce concerts in the same year… need I say more?
And everyone remembers the Championship Boat parades..
Over the years, the Lightning have built a loyal fanbase, turning Tampa into the hockey town it is today.
TNT will broadcast the 2026 NHL Winter Classic exclusively in the U.S. while ESPN will carry the 2026 NHL Stadium Series. Sportsnet and TVA Sports will deliver both games to fans in Canada.