Imagine being a Tampa Bay Lightning player, casually attending a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game at Raymond James Stadium, and daydreaming about what it would be like to play an NHL game right there, in front of tens of thousands of fans. This thought, once a mere fantasy, is now set to become a reality. It’s not just an exciting prospect for the team but for hockey fans in general—this will be an event like no other.
The concept of playing an NHL game outdoors in front of 65,000 fans in Tampa seemed too far-fetched for a long time. After all, Florida isn't exactly known for its cold temperatures or snowy weather, which are often associated with outdoor hockey games. Yet, here we are, on the brink of something truly unique. “When we’re at those (Bucs) games, we always say, ‘Yeah, it’d be sweet if we could play in a stadium like this for one night,’” said Lightning center Nick Paul. “But we had no idea it would actually happen.”
But now, it’s happening. The NHL has officially confirmed that the Lightning will host an outdoor game at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, February 1, 2026, as part of the Stadium Series. The matchup will see the Lightning take on the Boston Bruins, and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. This will mark an incredible first for the state of Florida, as both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers will host outdoor games in the same season—an event that has never been done before in the state.
NHL Chief Content Officer Steve Mayer couldn’t contain his excitement, stating, “When we pull this off, I think people are going to talk about this for a long time to come. It’s going to be special.” And he’s absolutely right. The magnitude of the event is hard to understate. Hockey fans in Florida, known for their passion and loyalty to their teams, are about to experience something they never thought possible—a massive outdoor hockey game in their own backyard.
Lightning CEO Steve Griggs echoed this sentiment, saying, “This moment has been a long time coming, and we’re thrilled to see this dream become a reality.” It’s a monumental moment for the franchise, which has already established itself as one of the most successful teams in recent history, with multiple Stanley Cup victories in the last few seasons. Not only does this event celebrate the team’s success, but it also highlights the rise of Florida as a true hockey hotbed, with growing interest and participation at the youth and high school levels.
But why Tampa? Why now? The NHL has been considering bringing an outdoor game to Tampa since 2018, but it wasn’t until this announcement that it all came together. The idea had been gaining traction ever since the city hosted its second NHL All-Star Game. In fact, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission even put up a billboard with an imaginative rendering of Raymond James Stadium featuring an ice rink. The message was clear: Tampa was ready for something big, and the NHL was starting to listen.
Now, thanks to a monumental effort behind the scenes, the dream of an outdoor game in Tampa is about to become a reality. The league has approached the situation with meticulous planning, bringing in ice teams, operations teams, and even weather scientists to determine how to tackle the unique climate challenges that come with hosting a game in Florida. Tampa’s typical heat and humidity, unpredictable rain, and the salt in the air from the nearby water posed significant challenges. After all, no regular-season outdoor game in NHL history has ever been played in temperatures above 65 degrees, and Florida’s February average temperature is 63 degrees.
However, the NHL and the Lightning are not letting these obstacles stand in their way. In fact, they’ve come up with a brilliant solution. A special structure, a hybrid of a tented setup and warehouse design, will be built inside Raymond James Stadium. This will allow the ice rink to be installed and kept in a temperature-controlled environment two weeks before the game, ensuring the ice stays pristine despite the Florida heat. “One of the things that we’ve all concluded is that the best way to give us the best opportunity for success is to take the elements out of the mix as long as we can,” said Mayer.
If the temperature rises to 80 degrees or if it rains on game day, no problem. The infrastructure will be ready. As Mayer put it, “We understand there’s some risk, but we’ve always embraced a bit of risk.” That’s the mentality the NHL is taking—nothing ventured, nothing gained.
The planning doesn’t stop there. There’s also a contingency plan in case Raymond James Stadium is needed for an NFC Championship Game during the same period. The NHL has anticipated all possible scenarios, and the event will still go ahead as planned, no matter what.
The pandemic temporarily halted the momentum of bringing an outdoor game to Tampa, but the Lightning were already making waves on the national stage. In February 2022, the team played outdoors for the first time in Nashville at Nissan Stadium, where they defeated the Predators 3-2 in front of a crowd of 68,619. That victory, along with the growing excitement around the Lightning’s continued success, only fueled the desire to bring an outdoor game to Florida.
Tampa Bay has a long history of hosting incredible events. From Super Bowls to NCAA Final Fours to College Football Playoff National Championships, this city has proven it can handle world-class events like no other. Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, called the outdoor game at Raymond James Stadium “our ‘white whale’ as a community,” adding that “we’re excited for our collective and unprecedented dream to finally become a reality.”
The energy surrounding the Lightning’s fervent fan base is palpable, and it’s clear that they’ll travel well for the event. Tampa fans have long demonstrated their loyalty and passion, and the success of their team has only deepened that bond. The Lightning have earned the respect of the NHL, and the league knows that Tampa Bay will deliver an unforgettable experience.
The game will fall during Gasparilla weekend, coinciding with Tampa’s annual PirateFest parade, adding even more excitement to an already highly anticipated event. The timing couldn’t be better for fans who will flock to the city for this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
The Sunshine State’s rise as a hockey powerhouse is undeniable. With Florida-based teams making deep runs in the Stanley Cup playoffs year after year, and with the Panthers’ stunning victory in 2024, the state’s status as a hockey mecca is solidified. Whether it’s the Lightning’s championship titles in 2020 and 2021 or the Panthers’ remarkable postseason run, Florida hockey is on the map.
“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. And what a challenge it will be. But Mayer believes the risk is worth it: “Tampa deserves it, and we’re looking always to elevate the game, to make something that, at the end of the day, is a truly special event.” This is a game fans won’t forget, and it will set a new standard for outdoor NHL games across the league. It’s a celebration of hockey, community, and the spirit of adventure. Tampa Bay, get ready to make history.
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