The Tampa Bay Lightning introduced as we speak that they’re scheduled to host the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 1, 2026.
This landmark occasion can be a part of a month-long celebration of hockey within the state of Florida, which is able to kick off on Jan. 2, 2026, in Miami at loanDepot Park, residence of the Miami Marlins, with the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers collaborating within the 2026 Uncover NHL Winter Traditional.
Out of doors hockey is coming to Tampa 🤝
We’re internet hosting the 2026 Navy Federal Credit score Union™ NHL #StadiumSeries at @RJStadium!
📝: https://t.co/gCWR8bjJjL pic.twitter.com/H1OXZyAko4
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) January 8, 2025
Raymond James Stadium opened in 1998 and is residence to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the Nationwide Soccer League (NFL) and the College of South Florida soccer program. The seating capability for many sporting occasions is 69,218, although it may be expanded to about 75,000 for particular occasions with the addition of momentary seating. The stadium was constructed at public expense as a substitute for Tampa Stadium and is understood for the duplicate pirate ship positioned behind the seating space within the north finish zone.
The 2026 Navy Federal Credit score Union NHL Stadium Collection would be the first outside common season sport in Tampa Bay. The Lightning have appeared in a single earlier outside sport, the 2022 Navy Federal Credit score Union NHL Stadium Collection in Nashville, Tennessee, the place they defeated the Nashville Predators, 3-2. The Bruins have skated in 5 whole outside video games, posting a 4-1-0 file.
Hockey throughout the Tampa Bay space, and Florida as a complete, has seen exponential progress prior to now decade in any respect ranges of the sport. Florida is approaching 10,000 registered youth hockey gamers, rating first general within the Southeast District and eleventh within the nation. With contributions from the Lightning and group companions, the Bay Space has seen a 70 p.c improve in new USA Hockey ice hockey registrations because the 2016-17 season.
