For the first time ever, the city will host an NHL Stadium Series outdoor game, bringing professional hockey out of the arena and into the open air at Raymond James Stadium. Featuring the Tampa Bay Lightning as the home team, this marquee event puts Tampa on a national stage and delivers a once-in-a-generation experience for sports fans and visitors alike.
The NHL Stadium Series is one of the league’s premier showcase events, typically reserved for major cities and iconic venues. Seeing Tampa selected is a testament to the Lightning’s success, the city’s passionate fan base, and Tampa’s growing reputation as a top-tier sports destination. Transforming Raymond James Stadium into an outdoor ice rink is no small feat, and the result is expected to be nothing short of spectacular.
Unlike a traditional hockey game, the Stadium Series is designed as a full-scale event experience. Fans can expect a festival-like atmosphere surrounding the stadium, complete with pregame excitement, fan activations, and a buzz that extends well beyond puck drop. Inside the stadium, the open-air setting adds drama and energy, blending Florida’s winter weather with the intensity of NHL competition. It’s hockey but bigger, bolder, and built for unforgettable memories.
For Tampa locals, this game is a chance to be part of sports history without leaving home. For out-of-town visitors, it’s the perfect excuse to experience Tampa at its best. February weather is ideal, hotels and restaurants will be buzzing, and the entire city will feel the excitement. Much like Gasparilla or a championship run, this is one of those weekends where Tampa comes alive.
What makes this event especially special is how rare it is for Florida to host an outdoor NHL game. Hockey under the open sky is traditionally associated with cold-weather cities, making Tampa’s Stadium Series appearance both unique and iconic. It’s a reminder of how far the Lightning franchise and the city itself has come on the national stage.
Game-day planning will be key, as attendance is expected to be high. Fans should anticipate traffic, packed restaurants, and a lively pre- and post-game scene around the stadium and throughout Tampa. Many will turn the event into a full weekend experience, pairing the game with dining, nightlife, and waterfront activities across the city.
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Details such as kickoff time, opponent, tickets, and official fan events will be released closer to the game date. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, fans should monitor the Tampa Bay Lightning and NHL announcements.
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Whether you’re a lifelong Lightning fan, a casual hockey follower, or someone who simply loves being part of major city moments, the NHL Stadium Series on February 1, 2026 is an event you won’t want to miss. It’s bold, unforgettable, and unmistakably Tampa the perfect way to kick off February in the city.