Bruins set to play Lightning outdoors in Tampa Bay for 2026 Stadium Series
This marks the sixth time the Bruins will play an NHL game outdoors.
The Bruins are heading to the great outdoors once again in 2026. This time, they might need to bring some sunscreen.
For the sixth time in franchise history, Boston will take part in an outdoor game — with the Bruins set to battle the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at Raymond James Stadium, as part of the 2026 NHL Stadium Series.
Boston is no stranger to outdoor showcases, playing at Fenway Park (twice, 2010 and 2023), Gillette Stadium (2016), Notre Dame Stadium (2019), and on the shores of Lake Tahoe in 2021.
“The Bruins organization takes pride in being selected to participate in one of the National Hockey League’s marquee events,” Bruins President Cam Neely said in a statement. “Similar to the NHL Winter Classics at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, and Notre Dame Stadium and the NHL Outdoors Game in Lake Tahoe, the 2026 Stadium Series in Tampa will be a meaningful opportunity for our players and entire organization to showcase the game of hockey on a grand scale.
“All of us at the Bruins, as well as our passionate fanbase, are excited for what will be yet another incredible experience at Raymond James Stadium next February.”
Playing at Raymond James Stadium — home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — stands as a unique departure, given Florida’s unconventional climate for outdoor contests.
Florida will be the NHL’s hotbed for outdoor matchups in 2026, with the Florida Panthers hosting the Rangers in the 2026 Winter Classic at LoanDepot Park — home of the Marlins — on Jan. 2, 2026.
“Stanley Cups, strings of sellouts and the exponential growth of youth and high school hockey throughout the state have demonstrated that Florida is a hockey hotbed. Outdoor NHL games in the Sunshine State? Never let it be said that our League isn’t willing to accept a challenge,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a league release.
Boston has had plenty of success in outdoor games over the years — sporting a 4-1 record in their previous five matchups. The Bruins’ lone loss was against Montreal in Foxborough in 2016, with Boston beating the Penguins, 2-1, in the team’s latest outdoor game in the 2023 Winter Classic.
David Pastrnak leads active Boston skaters in goals (4) and points (5) in regular-season outdoor games.
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