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Tampa Transforms Stadium for Daring Outdoor Hockey
21 Jan
Summary
- Construction for the 2026 NHL Stadium Series is underway.
- Special refrigeration units are crucial for the Florida heat.
- The event faces challenges due to potential weather.
Construction for the 2026 NHL Stadium Series has begun at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Cranes and equipment are on-site as workers build the outdoor ice rink for the game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Boston Bruins, scheduled for February 1.
This ambitious project in Florida's potential heat and humidity requires significant engineering. Two specialized refrigeration units, similar to those used for the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic in Miami, have been deployed. NHL officials acknowledge the challenges, recalling a past incident where an outdoor ice bar was affected by rain.
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman described the endeavor as a "dream come true" and "pretty [darn] cool," highlighting the culmination of years of planning for an outdoor game in a non-traditional climate. The event promises to be one of the NHL's most daring outdoor games to date.
