On February 1, 2026, the Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium as part of the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series. The Stadium Series has become a popular event in the NHL schedule and has a bit of history going back to 2014.
Although part of the NHL schedule this season seems to be more of an event or spectacle than a hockey game, the venue, crowds, and entertainment are all part of the NHL today.
Where the NHL Stadium Series began
Starting in 2014, the NHL Stadium Series was a series of regular season games held outdoors. It was part of a concept to hold hockey games outdoors and it was designed to hold events at non-traditional locations and climates, primarily in the warmer climates.
The first-ever Stadium Series game pitted the California rivals, the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks at Dodger Stadium. A crowd of 54,099 watched at the Ducks shutout the Kings 3-0 and this game would set the tone for future outdoor games. It also marked the first time a game had been played in a warm climate and west of the MIssissippi River.
The Stadium Series followed the successes of the Winter Classic and the Heritage Classic, which both be came fan favorites. Over the years of these events, crowds of massive sizes came together in various sports stadiums to behold the unique venue and event for an NHL game, some experiencing their first NHL game.
The game on February 1, 2026, will not be the only game hosted by the state of Florida. The 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series will pit the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Bruins, but the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers will also be in action against the New York Rangers in the Winter Classic. This particular game will take place at LoanDepot Park, also known as the home park of Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins, on January 2, 2026.
Whether these games increase in crowd size and revenue or not, this is an event that the NHL should keep as it gives a unique perspective on the NHL game itself. There are plenty of stadiums that could be used for games that have not had the opportunity to do something like this yet. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime game for someone to experience the game in a different light.
These games are special, unique, and fun. The entertainment value is high and the action is as hot as it is in a NHL arena. We shall see if the number of stadium games increase due to popularity.