TAMPA, Fla. — The excitement is building as Florida gears up to host two distinct outdoor NHL hockey games this season, each presenting a unique challenge and atmosphere for players and fans alike.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to face the Boston Bruins on February 1 at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unlike the recent NHL Winter Classic held in Miami’s loanDepot Park, where the game was technically outdoor but played under an enclosed roof, the matchup in Tampa will be fully exposed to the elements, offering a genuine outdoor experience.
Preparations for the outdoor rink are currently in progress, with construction beginning on the infrastructure and ice-making operations scheduled to commence this Sunday. A tent will be erected to protect the ice throughout the week, ensuring that the rink can withstand Florida’s warm temperatures. Refrigeration units will play a vital role in maintaining the ice, utilizing techniques akin to those employed in traditional indoor arenas.
“Once the tent’s up, we’ll have some HVAC units and dehumidification units inside the tent,” described Derek King, NHL Vice President of Hockey Operations. He noted that the ice surface will typically measure between 2.5 to 3 inches thick, akin to standard arena setups. As part of the cooling strategy, refrigeration trucks have already been dispatched to the stadium.
Andrew Higgins, NHL Senior Manager of Facilities Operations, acknowledged the weather challenges that could arise, stating, “If we’re 75 (degrees) at puck drop it will be a bit of a challenge for us.” However, forecasts suggest that temperatures could dip into the mid-60s, which would create ideal conditions for ice hockey.
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman visited the stadium to observe the preparations and expressed enthusiasm for the historic event. Though he is sidelined due to injury and won’t be playing, Hedman reflected on the significance of hosting an outdoor game, remarking, “It will be a different experience, obviously, but the game is at night, the sun will be down so that’s gonna help a lot… it’s gonna be a spectacular event for the NHL and Tampa.”
With the puck set to drop at 6:30 p.m. on February 1, hockey fans are hopeful for cooler weather, which would not only enhance the playing conditions but also foster an authentic hockey vibe against the backdrop of Florida’s palm trees.