It’s the final countdown: the 2026 NHL Winter Classic in Miami is around the corner. Expect snowball fights, beach sand, palm trees, swimsuits, and the regular-season game between the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup champions from Florida and the five-time NHL outdoor games participant from New York.
If you want to be a part of the first-ever outdoor hockey event in Florida on Jan.2, 2026, it’s time to get your NHL Winter Classic tickets. As we discussed earlier, it’s not cheap. But it’s a unique day that will be filled with incredible moments and priceless memories. After all, watching an outdoor ice hockey game at the ballpark in tropical Miami is sensational enough. Another piece of good news is that a cold front is moving into the Sunshine State, significantly reducing the risk of heat-related issues and ice-melting. It looks like Mother Nature aligns with the NHL plans. The weather forecast for Jan. 2 projects temperatures between 69°F and 56°F. Snowbirds will be happy, locals will be freezing.
Model Call
There was a great chance to make some money while witnessing history in the making. According to a local talent agency, there was a casting call for people of all ages and genders to portray Miami beachgoers and New Yorkers. So, don’t be surprised to see sunbathing models and overdressed ones having snowball fights. The scene fits the Florida Panthers-New York Rangers matchup. Hot but cold.
General Info
For game-goers, the NHL has issued a fan guide, which is vital to review if you don’t want to be stuck in Downtown Miami or Little Havana without a parking spot or to stress about logistics.
The pre-game festivities will start at 2:00 pm outside LoanDepot Park and will be accessible only to NHL Winter Classic ticket holders. The entertainment program will feature family-oriented activations, giveaways by Fanatics, Energizer, and Pepsi, food sampling by Jersey Mike’s, special appearances, and a live concert. The Lord Stanley will be on display and available for fan photos. Most of the details are still under wraps. There will also be a live NHL on TNT mobile TV studio on-site with Wayne Gretzky, Anson Carter, Paul Bissonnette, Henrik Lundqvist, and others.
One option to avoid traffic is to use a Park & Ride service that will operate from Hickman Garage (270 NW 2nd St.) and the West Lot Garage (220 NW 3rd St.) from 1:30 pm to 1:00 am. Complimentary shuttles will pick up and drop off fans at the ballpark. The cost is $15. These two locations are partnered with the NHL for the event.
Another option is Brightline, which will take fans to Miami Central Station and offer complimentary shuttles to and from LoanDepot Park. This alternative has limitations, as fans must ride specific trains and look for a yellow Winter Classic icon before booking a ticket. The prices depend on the starting point. Doors to the arena will open at 6:00 pm, with the game starting at 8:00 pm. So, spectators will have a few hours to study the LoanDepot Park transformations as it goes from a baseball stadium into an ice hockey fairytale.
In-game Fun
On Dec.17, the NHL announced that an American singer and actor, Role Model, will perform during the first intermission at Miami’s Winter Classic. It’s unclear how the league’s production team selects entertainers, but the mild, chill tunes and lyrics by Tucker Pillsbury (a.k.a. Role Model) sound promising. Role Model has over 375,000 subscribers on YouTube and over 1 million followers on Instagram. He hasn’t been associated with hockey before.
Big Arrival
On Dec. 17, the NHL/Winter Classic-branded ice truck officially arrived in Miami. The world’s largest mobile refrigeration unit is equipped with the tools and technology needed to build and maintain a high-quality ice sheet. The Florida Panthers General Manager, Bill Zito, and the NHL Senior Manager of Facilities Operations, Andrew Higgins, were on-site.
The #WinterClassic ice trucks have officially arrived in Miami! 🤩
— NHL Media (@NHLMedia) December 17, 2025
Read more about the process of building an NHL rink in South Florida ⤵️https://t.co/97hOINrYAT
A few days later, I visited the area to check on any visual changes outside of the Miami Marlins’ home. It was quiet before the storm: the roof was closed, some construction workers walked in and out of the building, and huge trucks with Ontario license plates parked outside of LoanDepot Arena. Nothing pointed to the upcoming historical hockey game except a few Winter Classic banners on street poles. The NHL knows how to keep top-notch secrets. The area will change dramatically on January 2, 2026.
On-Ice Duties
Back on the ice, both opponents have had some serious struggles this season. By mid-December, the Florida Panthers (20-15-2) have jumped into the Top 8 in the Eastern Conference with eight wins in 13 contests. The team’s leading scorers are Brad Marchand (41 points), Sam Reinhart (38), Anton Lundell (28), Carter Verhaeghe (28), and Sam Bennett (26).
The New York Rangers (19-17-4) lack consistency in their game and stay out of the playoff zone. Their leaders are Artemi Panarin (39), Mika Zibanejad (29), Adam Fox (26), and Will Cuylle (23). It will be the first meeting of the season for these two clubs.
The players still have time to get used to their customized Winter Classic uniforms and equipment, and the fans - to create unique outfits to match the vibe. Regardless of all the off-ice buzz and preparation, the teams will be focused on winning another regular-season matchup. The Panthers and Rangers will test the ice at LoanDepot Park on Jan.1. What a fantastic start to the New Year!