The 2026 NHL Winter Classic preparation checklist

With less than four weeks until the 2026 NHL Discovery Winter Classic, the first-ever outdoor hockey game in Florida, it's time to get fully prepared. Another cold front adds even more excitement, but no snow is expected in the January weather forecast.

Welcome to Pantherland

On November 19, the NHL, the Florida Panthers, and the New York Rangers revealed the official logo and uniforms for the upcoming Winter Classic. The Cats jersey design satisfies anyone who missed a vintage "panther", yet it's chic, contemporary, and authentic. The reactions were mixed.

It's impossible to get 100 % positive feedback. But as an Irish dramatist, Oscar Wilde, once wrote, "The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about". Some fans disliked the color of the gloves and pants, and others complained that the shoulder patches did not look retro enough, while skeptics were sure that hockey players would have to paddle in the third period. Despite any bitter comments, Aaron Ekblad and Sam Bennett seemed to appreciate all the little details.

The Florida Panthers' Instagram account featured five Winter Classic-related posts on November 19 and received over 1,600 comments. That's the key part: people care about giving feedback. The next day, the Winter Classic collection hit in-arena stores.

As one fan wrote, Brad Marchand jerseys in small sizes sold out the same day. A whopping price tag of $295 (plus tax) didn't scare people off. There is a good reason for that. Our previous article discusses Marchand's success in November as a Panther. Marchand isn't only a leading point producer for the Cats (31 points in 27 games), but also the most experienced Winter Classic participant among them. The two-time Stanley Cup champion appeared in three NHL Winter Classic contests as a Bruin in 2010, 2016, and 2019. He managed to score a hat-trick against the Chicago Blackhawks at Gillette Stadium, MA, in 2019. The Boston Bruins won 4-2.

So, Marchy knows a secret or two about playing outdoor games. Last summer, he also gained experience in celebrating the Stanley Cup victory in South Florida. The tropical vibe should help him lead the team on January 2, especially if captain Sasha Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk won't be in the lineup.

Two weeks after the jersey presentation, more and more Florida Panthers fans show up at home games in their new Winter Classic outfits, looking stylish and hot. Even with the Panthers' on-ice struggles and five losses in eight games, people are still excited for the upcoming event in Miami. But there are some other factors to consider.

Hockey Expenses

If you didn't save money up front, get ready for surprises. Tickets are still available, with the lowest priced at $225 plus fees, and the highest at $1,992.60 plus taxes. The NHL ran a special deal on Black Friday, offering a "NO FEES" option. So, at least the league tried to lighten the financial burden for fans. It's important to remember that the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers will drop a puck at the baseball stadium. So, the seating charts, angles, and visibility will be very different from what hockey fans are used to. The most crucial thing is to have fun and be ready for unanticipated twists. The NHL has never arranged a hockey event in a tropical climate, so some shortcomings shouldn't ruin anyone's mood.

As of right now, there is no information about vendors, products, or in-arena entertainment. Obviously, attendees will be excited about purchasing souvenirs, food, and drinks. Another unpleasant but necessary expense is parking. Some nearby garages offer a spot for $205 and up. Surely, taxi rides will be just as expensive. This unique sports event is also an opportunity for local businesses to make significant profits.

According to the NHL Fan Guide, all pregame activities, including the fan festival, special guests, and the Stanley Cup photo session, will start at 2:00 PM on West Lot 3 near IoanDepot Park, and the gates will open at 6:00 PM. The game will begin at 8:00 PM.

Even with minimal expenditures, attending one of its kind sports matchups for Florida residents will cost at least $300 per person. Tourists' hockey bills will ring much higher with logistics and lodging expenses.

Let's face it - it's not cheap to be a hockey fan. It's a double-edged sword. The most affordable way to enjoy the Winter Classic is to stay home and watch it on TNT or Max/HBO Max.

January is the coolest month in Florida. So, the NHL will catch a break organizing this unique and hottest event of the regular season. At least hockey fans can save on extra layers, fur coats, and hot cocoa.