Overview
- The event marks the NHL's first outdoor game in Florida and the southernmost Winter Classic, with a sellout crowd of roughly 35,000 expected.
- Ice was built inside the ballpark with custom refrigeration, chilled aluminum trays and a thicker sheet, and players and coaches reported strong ice conditions after Thursday’s practice.
- The roof stayed closed for construction and will open shortly before puck drop, with the league planning artificial snow and a snow‑meets‑sand set featuring palm trees, lifeguard stands and themed on‑camera extras.
- Fans get a pregame festival from 2 p.m. to puck drop, plus player arrivals on Sixth Street around 4:45 p.m. for the Rangers and 5:15 p.m. for the Panthers.
- Broadcast coverage is set for TNT and truTV with streaming via DIRECTV and radio on SiriusXM channel 220, as the Panthers make their outdoor debut and the Rangers bring a 5‑0 outdoor record to a game that carries real standings implications and notable injuries on both sides.