NHL Set to Host Historic Outdoor Game: A Marvel of Engineering at Raymond James Stadium
NHL Set to Stage Most Ambitious Outdoor Game in History at Raymond James Stadium
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In a groundbreaking move that promises to redefine outdoor hockey, the NHL is gearing up for its most ambitious outdoor game yet. On February 1, 2026, the Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins in the highly anticipated Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium. The game, set to start at 6:30 p.m. ET, will showcase not just the skill of the players, but also the League’s engineering prowess.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has dubbed the event an “engineering marvel,” and for good reason. The logistics of creating a professional-grade ice rink in the heart of Florida’s warm climate are nothing short of extraordinary. Ice trucks will arrive at the stadium on January 19, and a state-of-the-art air-conditioned tent will be erected on the field to facilitate the ice-making process. Once the ice is ready, the tent will be removed, and the field will be transformed into a hockey haven in a remarkable six-hour window on game day.
“The Lightning have been after an outdoor game for years,” said NHL President of Content and Events Steve Mayer. “In the past, we never had the confidence that we could protect the most important commodity, the rink. Now, we’re confident we’re going to get it done, and we’re going to put on one of our most memorable games.”
The Lightning’s long-standing pursuit of an outdoor game is well-deserved, especially following their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. Bettman noted the team’s impressive fan support, highlighted by the 25,000 fans who traveled to Nashville for a Stadium Series game in 2022. With a remarkable streak of 438 consecutive home games sold out, the Lightning have proven their dedication to the sport and their community.
However, the challenge of creating ice in a warm climate has been a significant hurdle. “When we’re told we’re going to a certain market, we always think about it, and then we give our answer,” said NHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Kris King. “This was our quickest answer. ‘Are you crazy?’ But after all the time and work we’ve put in, I’m confident we’re going to have a heck of a game.”
The NHL has a wealth of experience, having staged 44 outdoor games in various venues and conditions, from baseball parks to football stadiums. Each event has provided valuable lessons, allowing the League to refine its processes. Workers typically take four days to construct the rink, laying a laser-leveled stage deck and interlocking aluminum ice pans. The ice-making process itself can take up to seven days, utilizing a Mobile Refrigeration Unit to ensure optimal conditions.
As the ice crew works tirelessly, they employ a meticulous process of layering fine mist to create a dense, high-quality surface suitable for professional play. The rink is painted white, and lines and logos are added using fabric to prevent running paint, even in warmer temperatures.
With the NHL’s commitment to innovation and the Lightning’s passionate fanbase, the 2026 Stadium Series game is poised to be a historic event that will leave a lasting impression on hockey fans everywhere. As the countdown begins, anticipation builds for what promises to be a spectacular night of outdoor hockey in Tampa Bay.