Tampa Bay Lightning will host an outdoor hockey game in 2026 at Raymond James Stadium

a large football stadium
Photo via Raymond James Stadium

The Tampa Bay Lightning will join cross-state rivals, the Florida Panthers, in hosting an outdoor game as part of the NHL’s 2025-26 Stadium Series. The Lightning confirmed the rumors on Facebook. The Bolts will host the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium on February 1, 2026. They’re set to face off against the Boston Bruins.

This won’t be the Lightning’s first time playing outdoors. The team previously participated in an outdoor game in 2022, where they faced off against the Nashville Predators in Tennessee. Late spoiler alert: the Bolts won that game.

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Now, Tampa Bay fans can look forward to another exciting event in 2026. is reportedly the likely venue.

people holding a sign that says go bolts outside Amalie arena
Photo via Tampa Bay Lightning (FB)

Outdoor hockey in Tampa Bay

Raymond James is already slated to transform into a baseball park and a golf course in 2025. The stadium has proven versatile, and adding hockey to the mix will further solidify Tampa’s status as a hub for high-profile sports events. I still daydream about my WrestleMania experience at the stadium.

As the Lightning prepare to host the outdoor game, fans can anticipate a thrilling atmosphere, complete with the electric energy that only an outdoor NHL game can provide.

Additional information for the event, including ticketing and broadcast, as well as the start time, will be announced when available. 

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