Florida Panthers To Play An Outdoor NHL Game Next Season

It is a fun time to be the Florida Panthers right now. After winning the Stanley Cup last Summer, they are in pole position to repeat atop the Atlantic Division. Now, there is even more buzz surrounding the franchise. David Dwork reported yesterday that loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins, will host an NHL game next Winter with the Cats as the home team. Despite many details still needing to be hashed out, it will take place either in December 2025 or January 2026. As well, the likely opponent would be their in-state rival, the Tampa Bay Lightning:

NEW: Sources confirm the Florida Panthers will host an outdoor game at loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins, next season.#TimeToHunt story @TheHockeyNews ⬇️ https://t.co/ac6kM3WyI3

— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) December 10, 2024

Ironically enough, the Panthers might be the best team to play a home game there since the 2023 WBC. The Marlins are currently a disaster, with no end in sight to a small payroll and losing product. Even with warmer temperatures in the Winter, this is a slam dunk decision by the NHL. A Florida team has played for the Stanley Cup every year since 2020, and the Bolts and Cats came away with a combined championship. There is no better way to drive up local support for either team by producing a large event right in the heart of Miami.

Hockey South Of The Equator

Hate it or love it, hockey is becoming a force in warmer-weather areas. Places like Florida, Texas, and Nevada are hotbeds for NHL contenders thanks in large part to their lack of a state income tax. Nashville should also be on this list. However, my former beloved head coach in Barry Trotz has run the team into a big pickle. After being the biggest spender over the Summer, the Predators have face planted to start the season. He is already admitting his mistakes in the Scott Wedgewood trade. Maybe they figure it out but for now: the Floridas, Tampas, Vegas’, Dallas’, and LA’s of the world are in great position through the one-third mark of the season and could continue to flex their muscles.

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After years of success, outdoor hockey is finally coming to Florida. The Panthers look to be great hosts for the big game next season.

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