The NHL Stadium Series is one of the league’s special events, created to take hockey out of traditional arenas and place it in unexpected locations. Unlike the Winter Classic, which is usually held in cold weather, the Stadium Series is about bringing NHL hockey to new cities, new climates, and new audiences. 

On Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 6:30 PM ET, the Tampa Bay Lightning hosts the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. This game will be the first NHL game ever played in a Florida football stadium in Florida. 

The Stadium Series has previously traveled to places like California, Texas, and Nevada. Each location is chosen to highlight the league’s growth and its commitment to reaching fans beyond traditional hockey markets. The Tampa game represents the next step in bringing outdoor NHL hockey to a tropical climate, something the league has never attempted on this scale before. 

To make this possible, the NHL is implementing an ambitious construction plan. A  climate controlled tent will cover the rink to protect it from Florida’s heat and humidity. Inside, crews will build a 2-3 inch thick ice surface using a mobile refrigeration system, carefully layering and freezing the ice over days. The process requires constant monitoring and advanced cooling technology, making it one of the most complex outdoor setups the league has ever undertaken. 

The Lightning and Bruins wore specially designed jerseys created by Fanatics in collaboration with the NHL. These uniforms were designed to celebrate playing an outdoor hockey game in Florida while honoring the culture and history of Tampa Bay. The Lightning’s jersey features a two-tone color scheme that combines the team’s traditional royal blue with a new sky blue. The design also includes lightning bolt textures and pirate inspired details.

The pirate theme also extended onto the ice itself, as the NHL revealed a rink design inspired by a treasure map in celebration of Gasparilla. The field at Raymond James Stadium will be transformed with nautical details, including shipwrecks, sea creatures, and pirate themed locations surrounding the rink.

In addition to the game, fans took part in pregame activities held outside the Stadium in designated lots. The PreGame opened to all Stadium Series ticket holders from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event featured interactive activities, games, giveaways, and photo opportunities hosted by more than a dozen NHL partners. Fans may participate in shooting challenges, experience virtual reality hockey, and take photos with the Stanley Cup.

Adding to the excitement of the night, a special live music performance took place during the first intermission. Country music star Tim McGraw performed, giving fans in attendance a unique halftime entertainment experience.

Florida was never supposed to be a hockey place. Its warm climate and lack of winter tradition made teams like the Lightning seem unlikely to succeed. Yet Tampa has built a very passionate fan base. Hosting the Stadium Series in Florida proves that hockey is defined by the communities that embrace it.

Julia Valenti (’26) said, “This is such an exciting moment for Tampa, especially as a big Lightning fan. They’re one of my favorite teams in the city, and seeing them play in an outdoor game like this is so exciting.”