Photo credit: NHL.com
Almost time to take hockey outside, and in South Florida, that still feels a little surreal.
Installation of the rink at loanDepot Park is officially underway, and the structure is starting to take shape ahead of the Florida Panthers facing the New York Rangers in the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic on January 2. What was once a concept is now steel, boards, and ice plans inside a baseball stadium in Miami.
For the Panthers, this moment represents more than a marquee event. Hosting the franchise's first outdoor game signals how far hockey has come in a market that once fought for relevance. Now, the league is bringing one of its biggest regular-season showcases directly to South Florida.
The build itself always draws curiosity. Seeing a full NHL rink rise inside a ballpark never gets old, especially in a climate that challenges traditional hockey norms. Each day of progress makes the game feel more real, and anticipation continues to build with every visible layer.
The Winter Classic experience won't be limited to puck drop. Fans attending the game will be able to take part in pregame festivities around the stadium from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on game day. The league has leaned heavily into making these events feel like full-day celebrations rather than just games.
Florida Panthers prepare to host hockey's biggest stage
Here's the fan reality, this is a validation moment. The Panthers didn't get this game because of novelty. They earned it through sustained success, back-to-back Stanley Cups, and a fan base that's grown alongside the team.
From a league standpoint, Miami offers visuals the NHL can't get anywhere else. Palm trees, outdoor hockey, and a global city backdrop combine into something distinctly different from traditional Winter Classic settings. That contrast is exactly the point.
On the ice, the matchup adds weight. The Rangers bring history and star power. The Panthers bring recent dominance and home-market pride. It's a rare chance for Florida to showcase its identity to a national audience in a setting that will be replayed for years.
The timing matters too. Early January games often feel like calendar fillers. This one won't. With playoff positioning already forming and emotions high, the stakes will feel real despite the spectacle.
The rink is rising. The countdown is on.