Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Image
Florida's first Winter Classic is less than a month away, and the buildup feels unlike anything the Panthers have hosted before.
The NHL's 2026 Discovery Winter Classic arrives January 2 in Miami, the league's first attempt at staging an outdoor game in a tropical market. A recent cold front added a fun twist, but forecasts say no snow, just a uniquely Florida backdrop.
Fans have been gearing up since November 19, when the Panthers and Rangers unveiled logos and uniforms that sparked instant debate. Reactions were split, naturally. Some fans questioned glove colors, others critiqued the shoulder patches, and a few joked about players needing paddles in the third period.
Still, the energy was unmistakable. Aaron Ekblad and Sam Bennett praised the retro-modern aesthetic, and the Panthers' Instagram feed exploded with more than 1,600 comments. Jerseys hit stores the next day, and Brad Marchand's small sizes sold out despite a hefty $295 price tag.
Brad Marchand brings Winter Classic experience
Marchand's presence might be the most reassuring part of all this. He has 31 points in 27 games and three previous Winter Classics under his belt, including a hat trick in 2019 against Chicago.
Florida may lean heavily on him if Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk are not ready. Marchand's outdoor-game savvy and veteran voice could shape the Panthers' mindset in a moment that blends spectacle with pressure.
Even with recent on-ice struggles, fans continue arriving in fresh Winter Classic gear, many treating the event as the centerpiece of the season.Ticket prices tell the story of both excitement and reality. Seats range from $225 to nearly $2,000 before fees. Parking near LoanDepot Park can hit $205.
Vendors and entertainment details remain under wraps, though the NHL confirmed the fan festival begins at 2 PM with gates opening at 6. Outdoor games always bring quirky sightlines and stadium-specific challenges, and this one will be no exception.
For many Floridians, the cheapest option may be watching on TNT or Max, but attending the game offers something the league has never attempted before, hockey under a Miami sky. January is Florida's coolest month, which helps the NHL breathe easier, and fans will save money on winter layers at least.
The Winter Classic is coming fast, and whether fans attend or watch from home, Florida is about to experience hockey history.
Previously on Sunrise Hockey Insider