Tampa Constructing Outdoor Rink for NHL Stadium Series
Preparations are underway in Tampa for the upcoming NHL Stadium Series outdoor hockey game. A temporary ice rink is being constructed at a local venue for the event. The game is expected to boost the local economy by attracting tourists and generating revenue for area businesses.
- The 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series will feature the Tampa Bay Lightning hosting the Boston Bruins on February 1, 2026, at Raymond James Stadium. - This marks the second Stadium Series appearance for the Lightning, who defeated the Nashville Predators 3-2 at Nissan Stadium in 2022, and the first for the Bruins. - The event is part of a larger month-long celebration of hockey in Florida, which also includes the 2026 NHL Winter Classic held in Miami earlier in the year. - To manage the warm climate in an open-air venue, the NHL is utilizing a portable, climate-controlled tent to build the ice rink, which will be dismantled before the game. - The NHL Stadium Series began in 2014 to expand the league's outdoor game offerings, with the first event held at Dodger Stadium between the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings. - A precedent for the economic effect of the event was set by the 2023 Stadium Series in Raleigh, which generated $13.6 million in total economic impact for the game and $20.1 million for the entire weekend. - Festivities surrounding the game will include the "NHL PreGame" fan festival with the Stanley Cup on display and musical performances by country duo LOCASH and three-time Grammy winner Tim McGraw.
