The NHL is back with its annual outdoor event, the 2026 Winter Classic.
This year, the game takes place on Friday, Jan. 2, to kick off the new year. The Florida Panthers will face off against the New York Rangers in the annual classic.
The Winter Classic is held each year in either a football or a baseball stadium, and this year it'll take place at LoanDepot Park, the home of the Miami Marlins.
This Winter Classic location is special for several reasons. For one, it's the most southern the annual game has ever been. On top of that, it will be the first outdoor game in NHL history to be played in the state of Florida.
AllSportsPeople has all the details on how to watch the NHL Winter Classic.
When is the NHL Winter Classic in 2026?
- Date: Friday, Jan. 2
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
The NHL Winter Classic is on Friday, Jan. 2 at 8 p.m. ET. It's the fifth Winter Classic that won't be played on New Year's Day, this time to avoid conflict with Thursday's College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
How to watch the NHL Winter Classic
- TV channel: TNT, truTV
- Live stream: DIRECTV
Fans can watch the NHL Winter Classic on TNT and truTV or live stream the game on DIRECTV.
Catch Every Game – Try DIRECTV FREE Today! Stream live Soccer, MLB, and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV. Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.
Panthers vs. Rangers radio station
- Radio station: SiriusXM channel 220
Fans can listen to Panthers vs. Rangers live on SiriusXM.
Get SiriusXM for free for your first month. Listen to live NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
NHL Winter Classic location, stadium
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Stadium: LoanDepot Park
The NHL Winter Classic will occur in Miami, Florida at LoanDepot Park, the home of the Miami Marlins.