NHL’s First Outdoor Game in Florida Set for January 2

MIAMI, Florida – The Florida Panthers will face the New York Rangers in the first outdoor NHL game in Florida on January 2, 2026, at loanDepot Park. The match, set for 8 p.m. ET, will mark a historic moment as the southernmost outdoor hockey game ever.

Dom Fillion, senior creative director at Fanatics, designed the Winter Classic jerseys to reflect both history and nostalgia. Fillion aimed to tell the story of the franchises with the jerseys, which feature traditional craftsmanship and commemorate their unique histories. “The Winter Classic is such an amazing event,” Fillion told NHL.com. “It’s very nostalgia-driven.”

The Panthers will display a vintage reimagining of their “leaping panther” logo, using felt and chain stitching to evoke the style of the 1920s and 1930s. Fillion collaborated closely with the Viola family, owners of the Panthers, to ensure the design resonated well with the team’s identity. “They wanted to be at the table,” Fillion said, acknowledging the valuable input received from the family.

Contrastingly, the Rangers’ jerseys are an extension of their Centennial season uniforms, with diagonal lettering that differentiates them from previous designs. The white color represents the team’s traditional light jersey, a feature that honors the franchise’s long-standing history.

Fillion stated, “We always keep in mind the setting, the environment, the stage,” emphasizing the importance of honoring the teams’ identities. The Winter Classic jerseys will be available for purchase beginning Thursday, November 20, through various Fanatics channels and team stores.

The NFL also plans to host a second outdoor game, the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series, featuring the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning on February 1 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, further showcasing the growth of hockey in Florida.

Live coverage of the Panthers vs. Rangers game will start January 2, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on TNT, with international broadcasts available worldwide.