MIAMI – “They said it couldn’t be done. They said it shouldn’t be done. But tonight, history and tradition meet modern science here in the Sunshine State. Tonight, we defy nature itself as we take pro hockey outdoors here in the Magic City.”
Those were the opening words from the emcee of Friday night’s 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic at loanDepot park, where an outdoor jewel hockey event took place in Florida for the first time. The New York Rangers, however, spoiled festivities for the home crowd by besting the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, 5-1, with temperatures in the low 60s.
The Marlins’ home ballpark is no stranger to the global stage. Since its opening in 2012, it has hosted everything from international soccer friendlies to college football bowl games to tennis exhibitions. This March, loanDepot park will once again see all rounds of the World Baseball Classic.
Some fans paired Marlins teal pinstripe caps with Panthers Winter Classic jerseys, which is fitting considering both franchises played their inaugural season in 1993. Among the sold-out crowd were World Series hero Miguel Rojas, Yankees All-Star second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., “Stranger Things” star Gaten Matarazzo and Marlins Xavier Edwards, Griffin Conine, Tyler Phillips and Anthony Bender.
“My first reaction is it's pretty cool,” Rojas said. “The venue deserves all the stuff that is happening. Caribbean Series, Venezuelan games, Dominican games, this place gets really packed, and it's really exciting to see how people really show up for events like this in Miami. Can't really say that I'm surprised, because this place is always ready for the opportunity to have something like this.”
From the get-go, it was apparent both teams would lean into the unique setting. The Rangers arrived at the ballpark in all-white outfits, while the Panthers drove up in Ferraris and Miami Vice-themed attire. For warmups, the Panthers skated in bucket caps and eye black.
The spectacle continued leading up to puck drop with a countdown for the opening of the sliding windows in left field and GRAMMY nominee Luis Fonsi’s performance of “Despacito” as the teams took the ice. Fake snow fell from the skies as the retractable roof opened and players, coaches and fans alike marveled at the scene.
“I was looking around a little bit there for sure, enjoying the moment,” Panthers center Eetu Luostarinen said. “It's pretty cool."
During the first intermission, musician Role Model brought out injured Panthers stars Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk with the Stanley Cup trophy for his performance of “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.”
Panthers coach Paul Maurice, who admitted to usually being grumpy after losses, said Friday night’s experience would be one to remember for decades to come.
“How incredibly spectacular [the] job the National Hockey League does in putting on the game,” Maurice said. “The idea of a southern setting, the spectacle was incredible with the roof opening, the U.S. flag on the ice, the national anthem, all the things. It was just brilliant.”
The setup made sure to showcase the different types of winter, as evidenced by the beach motif complete with “sand” and “ocean waves” to represent South Florida and ice for New York.
The Panthers’ side included a street hockey rink, flamingos, an inflatable pool and lounge chairs. The Rangers’ side contrasted with pond hockey and snow.
The Home Run Harbor signage temporarily changed to “Home Goal Harbor” for the Norwegian Cruise Line section in left-center field, setting off fireworks when Panthers forward Sam Reinhart scored a goal. During baseball games, the same happens when a Marlin homers. Panthers mascots Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Rat caught Billy the Marlin with a fishing line.
And the night ended with some history. Rangers alternate captain Mika Zibanejad recorded a hat trick and set an NHL outdoor game record with five points, as the Rangers improved to 6-0 in outdoor games.
Postgame, Zibanejad rocked an NHL Winter Classic chain, inspired by the turnover chain made famous by the University of Miami Hurricanes football team. He was also presented with a coffee-themed MVP trophy.
“It was an incredible atmosphere,” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said. “I think it's hard not to get excited about it. The venue was terrific. The presentation was great. The enthusiasm is infectious, and I think you can see it in the players, the energy they brought to the game. These types of events are so much fun to be a part of. As I said before the game, I think the league does a great job at embracing the uniqueness of each venue. They're all different, and that been my experience, and this one is unique in its own way.”