How The NHL Plans To Bring Outdoor Hockey to Tampa

One of the main concerns when the NHL announced an outdoor stadium series game in Tampa was the weather. Jokes were made left and right that the players would be playing in a puddle before the 1st intermission. So how does the NHL plan to combat the Florida heat and humidity in February? A huge tent will protect ice from the intense heat when the Boston Bruins face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Raymond James Stadium. This first-of-its-kind 2026 Stadium Series game happens February 1st.

"The first pregame outdoor skate under a tent," said Kris King to NHL.com.

Rising 34 feet high, the massive structure spans 124 feet wide and 248 feet long. Made to handle powerful 140 mph winds, its advanced climate system keeps a cool 60-degree environment with exact 38-degree dew point control - essential for perfect ice conditions.

"The Lightning have been after an outdoor game for years... Now we're confident we're going to get it done," said Steve Mayer to NHL.com.

Making the ice requires careful work. Teams will work overnight spraying thin layers of mist while using special cooling equipment. During the day, heavy insulating covers protect the surface from heat.

While the tent needs three days to set up, crews can take it down in just six hours after the game. No NHL outdoor game has ever needed such detailed planning for extreme weather.

Since 2003, the NHL has held 43 outdoor games. But none have dealt with Florida's tough mix of heat and humidity. Previous warm-weather games in Los Angeles and San Jose needed much basic cooling systems.

Florida fans get a bonus in 2026. The Panthers play the Rangers at Miami's loanDepot Park on January 2nd, followed by Tampa's historic tent game weeks later.

We know Lightning fans will show up in February based off the turnout we saw at their first stadium series game in Nashville a few years ago.