Confirmed with Link: Stadium Series: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium | February 1st 2026

[Lightning1995]

Awesome for Tampa to get this. Kudos to Vinik for making it happen

 

[Felonious Python]

During these games, they have some extra space on the field for some added rinks/theming.

What Tampa flair should go in the unused space?

I would like to see an homage to driveway/street hockey in addition to the usual extra ice sheets. I'm probably not alone in that I've never ice-skated outside in my life. My ODR or frozen pond was on foot or rollerblades in the driveway/garage.

Maybe on the Zamboni path, so they have to pick up the nets and move when the Zams come through.

The Bayshore Blvd balustrades have to make an appearance as well. For extra authenticity - flood kayaking.

ChatGPT keeps suggesting sand sculptures to me, so I'll mention that one.

 

[Hoek]

Street hockey homage would be great. Maybe also some pirate imagery since it'll be right after Gasparilla and it's the Bucs stadium.

 

[Felonious Python]

I would like at least a pledge to build more rinks. Ice, synthetic, roller, table, air, etc.

They probably couldn't announce anything solid at the game, as it's a real estate/political process, but at least dump a bunch of promised construction on the new owners.

Street hockey homage would be great. Maybe also some pirate imagery since it'll be right after Gasparilla and it's the Bucs stadium.

I sort of feel that they'd ease off the pirate stuff, since the Bucs stadium already kind of brings that, and it was such a theme with the all-star weekend.

 

[Major4Boarding]

Am I the only one pissed we didn't get the Winter classic?

The other franchise needs the money more than we do

O00000000000HHH!

 

[missionAvs]

I'll be driving up to this from Port Charlotte. It's gonna be fun but it'll likely be shitty hockey.

 

[TheDaysOf 04]

 

[DrMartinVanNostrand]

Far more likely to be too warm for Winter Classic. It was in the 70s on New Years and we don't have a roof like Miami.

Also another pretty obvious factor to take into account here - the Panthers game is being played in a baseball stadium, the Lightning game in an NFL stadium. NFL season lasts until the first weekend of January these days - the Bucs just played a home game on Jan. 5 - and that's not even taking into account potential playoff games. It would be entirely impossible to schedule a Winter Classic game (Dec. 31-Jan. 2 range) at an NFL stadium.

 

[Renopucker]

When they played the game at Lake Tahoe a few years ago, we were pretty bummed how they hadn't taken a western sun into account, and the ice was mushy in the afternoon. Had to reschedule and play at night when the ice refroze. Gotta believe those concerns should be just as valid in Tampa in February. It'll be interesting to see what they do differently.

 

[Felonious Python]

When they played the game at Lake Tahoe a few years ago, we were pretty bummed how they hadn't taken a western sun into account, and the ice was mushy in the afternoon. Had to reschedule and play at night when the ice refroze. Gotta believe those concerns should be just as valid in Tampa in February. It'll be interesting to see what they do differently.

I wouldn't be as concerned about Tampa Bay. We'll obviously be in contact with the Panthers, who are going to deal with pretty much the same issues as us.

Tahoe was put together somewhat quickly in the pandemic, so it seems that some mistakes were made.

The first Stadium Series game was held at Dodger Stadium in LA. That would probably be the closest comparison for us, and that game was held at night.

 

[TheDaysOf 04]

I wouldn't be as concerned about Tampa Bay. We'll obviously be in contact with the Panthers, who are going to deal with pretty much the same issues as us.

Tahoe was put together somewhat quickly in the pandemic, so it seems that some mistakes were made.

The first Stadium Series game was held at Dodger Stadium in LA. That would probably be the closest comparison for us, and that game was held at night.

Here's Dan Craig talking about building the rink for Dodger Stadium 10 years ago

 

[Felonious Python]

Here's Dan Craig talking about building the rink for Dodger Stadium 10 years ago

Florida is much more humid than LA (there's no 'dry heat' in Florida), so it's not a perfect match, but we know the Lightning won't cut any corners.

 

[DrMartinVanNostrand]

Florida is much more humid than LA (there's no 'dry heat' in Florida), so it's not a perfect match, but we know the Lightning won't cut any corners.

You know, living in this humidity is usually a deeply unpleasant experience, but I guess it helps keep us from being susceptible to insane wildfires that originate from powerful, dry wind.