Country music sensation Tim McGraw is set to take the stage during the Tampa Bay Lightning’s highly anticipated outdoor game at Raymond James Stadium on February 1. This matchup will see the Lightning face off against the Boston Bruins, with the puck dropping at 6:30 p.m. The event marks a significant milestone as it becomes the NHL’s 45th outdoor stadium event in over 20 years. Notably, this game will be the furthest south the league has ever hosted an outdoor match, a move mirrored by this year’s Winter Classic in Miami.
During the first intermission, fans will be treated to a performance by McGraw, who has dazzled audiences worldwide with over 106 million records sold and an impressive catalog of 49 No. 1 hits, including classics like “Don’t Take the Girl” and “Just to See You Smile.”
The NHL has been exploring the logistics of hosting an outdoor game in Tampa for the past three years, assessing local conditions and examining the outdoor rink at the annual Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park. Temperatures in Tampa on February 1 typically hover around 71 degrees, presenting unique challenges for maintaining ice quality. The humidity in the area could lead to frost formation, which can affect puck and skate performance.
To counter these challenges, event organizers plan to keep the rink covered for as long as possible, although they will need six hours to dismantle the protective tent on game day. NHL senior director of hockey operations Derek King has emphasized that they are prepared for various weather scenarios. “We always have a weather date held, so if, for some reason, we can’t play the game when it’s scheduled, we’ll delay as long as we can, and then we do have a backup date,” King stated.
For those eager to be part of this historic event, further information and ticket purchasing options are available through official channels. As excitement builds for this unique combination of sports and live music, fans are looking forward to a memorable evening on February 1.