NHL Stadium Series Heads to Tampa Bay

Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning face off in unique outdoor game at Raymond James Stadium

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:08am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of an NHL hockey game, with players, the rink, and the stadium environment fractured into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.The NHL's annual Stadium Series event ventures south to Tampa, blending hockey and entertainment in a unique outdoor showcase.Today in Tampa

The NHL's annual Stadium Series made its furthest southern venture yet, with the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning squaring off at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2026. The game promised a unique blend of hockey and entertainment, with the warm Florida weather creating ideal conditions for outdoor hockey and a picturesque setting featuring the stadium's iconic pirate ship.

Why it matters

The Stadium Series game in Tampa represents the NHL's continued efforts to expand the reach of outdoor hockey, bringing the spectacle to new markets and showcasing the sport to fans who may not typically attend NHL games. The unique setting and climate also presented logistical challenges that the league had to overcome, demonstrating its ability to adapt the Stadium Series format to diverse environments.

The details

The game featured a rink set against the backdrop of Raymond James Stadium's pirate ship, with temperatures around 32 degrees Fahrenheit creating ideal hockey conditions in the typically warm Florida climate. Pregame festivities embraced the tropical theme, with fans and players donning outfits that celebrated the setting.

  • The Stadium Series game took place on February 1, 2026.
  • The NHL has hosted the Stadium Series annually since 2014, but this was the furthest south the event has traveled.

The players

Boston Bruins

One of the Original Six NHL teams, the Boston Bruins are a historic franchise with a passionate fan base in the Northeast.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning are the home team for the Stadium Series game, bringing their skilled roster and loyal supporters from the Sunshine State.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing the Stadium Series to Tampa is a unique opportunity to showcase our sport in a non-traditional hockey market and introduce the excitement of outdoor NHL hockey to a new audience.”

— Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner

“As a Florida native, I'm thrilled to have the chance to play an outdoor game in my home state. The atmosphere is going to be electric, and I can't wait to soak it all in with our fans.”

— Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning Forward

What’s next

The NHL will evaluate the success of the Tampa Stadium Series game and consider expanding the outdoor event to other non-traditional hockey markets in the future.

The takeaway

The NHL's decision to host the Stadium Series in Tampa demonstrates the league's commitment to growing the sport's fanbase and bringing the unique outdoor hockey experience to new regions. The warm Florida setting provided a fresh twist on the annual event, showcasing the sport's adaptability to diverse environments.