The NHL Winter Classic returns this week with a historic edition.
The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers will host the New York Rangers in the 2026 Winter Classic at loanDepot park in Miami.
It will be the NHL’s first-ever outdoor game played in the state of Florida. And the league will host another game in the Sunshine State on Feb. 2 in a Stadium Series clash between the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
While loanDepot park has a retractable roof, the plans are for the ballpark’s roof to be open for opening puck drop between the Rangers and Panthers.
Preparations continue for the NHL Winter Classic at loanDepot park on Dec. 23, 2025 in Miami. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)
So, from the weather forecast to how to watch the game and much more, here’s everything to know about the Winter Classic:
When is the Rangers vs. Panthers NHL Winter Classic?
Rangers-Panthers takes place on Friday, Jan. 2.
Where is the Rangers vs. Panthers NHL Winter Classic being played?
loanDepot park, home of MLB‘s Miami Marlins, is the site of the Winter Classic. The venue will have a capacity of 35,300 for the game, according to the NHL.
What time is the Rangers vs. Panthers Winter Classic?
The outdoor game is set for 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT.
What TV channel is the Rangers vs. Panthers Winter Classic on?
The Winter Classic will air on TNT and truTV.
Where to stream the Rangers vs. Panthers Winter Classic live online
It will also be available to stream on HBO Max, TNTdrama.com, truTV.com, the TNT app and the truTV app.
What will the weather be for the Rangers vs. Panthers Winter Classic
The NBC Miami local forecast for Friday is mostly sunny with a high of 73 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 55.
For reference, the warmest temperature for an outdoor NHL game was 65 degrees Fahrenheit in February 2016 when the Colorado Avalanche hosted the Detroit Red Wings at Coors Field in Denver, according to the NHL.
How many Winter Classics, outdoor games have the Panthers played in?
This will be the Panthers’ first outdoor game in franchise history.
How many Winter Classics, outdoor games have the Rangers played in?
The Rangers, meanwhile, have appeared in five previous outdoor games — and won them all. Here’s a look at New York’s history in outdoor contests, two of which were Winter Classics:
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When was the first Winter Classic?
The Winter Classic debuted in January 2008 when the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Buffalo Sabres at Ralph Wilson Stadium, now known as Highmark Stadium, in Orchard Park, New York.
How many Winter Classics have there been?
Rangers-Panthers will be the 17th Winter Classic.
When was the first outdoor NHL game?
The Heritage Classic between the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers in November 2003 was the NHL’s first outdoor game. The Habs defeated the Oilers at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.
How many outdoor NHL games have there been?
Rangers-Panthers will be the league’s 44th outdoor game.
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