The National Hockey League (NHL) is set to host its first outdoor games in Florida in 2026. The Florida Panthers will face the New York Rangers at LoanDepot Park in Miami on January 2, followed by the Tampa Bay Lightning hosting the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa a month later. These events are expected to draw about 100,000 fans combined. The games will require unique preparations due to Florida’s warm climate. In Miami, the stadium’s roof will be used until the game starts, then opened. In Tampa, a temporary roof structure will be built over the ice. The cost of these games will exceed that of traditional outdoor NHL events. The growth of hockey in Florida is evident with a 212% increase in ice hockey registrations since 1999, now boasting over 21,000 players. Girls’ hockey participation has also risen by 16% year over year and 56% over the past eight years. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers, valued at $1.8 billion and $1.35 billion respectively, have won four Stanley Cups collectively since joining the NHL over 30 years ago.
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