MIAMI -- The NHL Winter Classic took place last Friday night, but its impact in the Sunshine State lives on.
Days after a sold-out crowd at loanDepot park and millions tuning in from home watched fake snow fall from the sky as the retractable roof and sliding-glass windows opened during introductions, the ice has been put to good use for the South Florida community.
Not only did season-ticket holders and partners gain priority access to tickets for the jewel event, they had the chance to skate on the rink over the weekend. Even Marlins manager Clayton McCullough and his family tested their skating skills.
Youth hockey players skated on the same ice as the pros on Monday, when games were held on the same Winter Classic rink where the New York Rangers and reigning two-time Stanley Cup-champion Florida Panthers had played.
It wasn’t a surprise to see loanDepot park as the center of the hockey world considering the non-baseball sporting events it has showcased since its opening in 2012. In true Miami fashion, the NHL Winter Classic featured beach- and snow-themed flooring to represent Florida and New York, respectively; lifeguard stands; fake frozen iguanas; and more in conjunction with the NHL and Marlins ballpark operations teams.
The home of the Marlins, which has been a staple for such global events as the World Baseball Classic, will once again host three Classic rounds in March.