TAMPA, Fla. — Before the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins face off under the open sky, hockey fans in Florida will get a chance to hit the ice—virtually and physically—outside the arena.
The National Hockey League has finalized the schedule for the 2026 NHL PreGame, the official fan festival taking over the grounds of Raymond James Stadium ahead of the Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series.
Scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, the event aims to turn the football stadium’s parking lots into a hockey headquarters. Headlining the entertainment is platinum-selling country duo LOCASH, known for their chart-topper “Hometown Home.” Beyond the live music, attendees can get close to history; the Stanley Cup® will be on-site for photo opportunities throughout the afternoon.
READ: Lightning Unveil Swashbuckling Logo For 2026 Stadium Series Against Bruins
The festival features a heavy emphasis on interactive skills challenges. Fans can test their slapshot power at the NHL Network’s Hardest Shot booth or try precision shooting at activations hosted by Norwegian Cruise Line and Energizer—the latter involving a unique challenge of shooting pucks into a stacked washer and dryer.
For those looking for a digital experience, Sense Arena is offering virtual reality goalie drills, while Fanatics will use AI to generate custom bobblehead images of attendees in team gear.
Major brands are leaning into the winter-meets-Florida theme. ESPN is setting up a “beachside igloo” for cooling off, and title sponsor Navy Federal Credit Union will host a giant snow globe photo booth alongside a digital shot challenge. Other distinct attractions include a “Giant Human Claw Machine” hosted by the Tampa Bay Lightning and a street hockey setup for casual play.
Event Logistics
The 2026 NHL PreGame will take place in Parking Lots 5 & 7 (Grass Lots) at Raymond James Stadium.
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026
- Time: 1:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
- Admission: Open only to ticket holders for the Stadium Series game.
Following the festival, the puck drops at 6:30 p.m. for the first outdoor NHL game ever played in a Florida football stadium. Live coverage will air on ESPN.
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