The Lightning’s First Outdoor Game Is Here: What Fans Need to Know Ahead of the Stadium Series Showdown with the Bruins
After years of anticipation, the moment has finally arrived in Tampa. For the first time in franchise history, the Lightning are taking it outside-hosting the Boston Bruins under the lights at Raymond James Stadium in what promises to be a landmark night for hockey in Florida.
This isn't just a game. It's a spectacle.
From the custom-built ice rink in the middle of an NFL stadium to live performances and fan festivals, the NHL is pulling out all the stops for this Stadium Series matchup. Whether you’re lucky enough to be in the stands or following from home, here’s your guide to what’s going down on Sunday night.
The Game Day Timeline
This is more than just a puck drop-it's a full-day event. Here's how it all unfolds:
- Midnight - Crews begin dismantling the massive climate-controlled tent that’s been shielding the ice from Florida’s famously unpredictable weather.
- **10 a.m.
** - Tent takedown expected to wrap up. That’s 10 hours of work just to get the rink ready for open-air action.
- **12:30 p.m. ** - Parking lots at Raymond James Stadium open.
- **1:00-6:30 p.m. ** - The NHL PreGame fan festival kicks off in Lots 5 and 7 on the stadium’s south side.
Expect music, games, giveaways, and a heavy dose of hockey energy.
- **3:30 p.m.
** - The Bruins arrive at the stadium.
- **4:00 p.m.
** - The Lightning make their entrance.
- **4:00 p.m.
** - Country duo LOCASH hits the stage at the PreGame festival.
- **5:00 p.m.
** - Stadium gates open to fans.
- **6:30 p.m.
** - ESPN’s national broadcast begins.
- **Just after 7:00 p.m.
** - Puck drops for the historic outdoor showdown.
- First Intermission - Country star Tim McGraw performs on the field.
What Fans Need to Know Before Heading In
If you’re attending, plan ahead. This is a high-profile event with big crowds, tight security, and limited reentry.
- **Arrive early. ** Security screening lines will be long, and once your mobile ticket is scanned, there’s no reentry.
- Parking passes are required for all stadium lots and may not be available for purchase on-site. Best bet: buy in advance through ParkWhiz.
- **Bag policy is strict. ** Only clutch-sized purses (4½ x 6½ inches or smaller) are allowed, and they’ll be screened.
No other bags get through.
- **Cash won’t work here.
** Both the stadium and the NHL PreGame festival are cash-free zones. Bring your cards or mobile pay options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Where to Find the Gear
Looking to grab some commemorative Stadium Series merch? Fanatics trailers will be stocked and ready:
- Outside the stadium between Gates C and D
- Inside the main concourse at Sections 136 and 111
- On the upper concourse at Sections 336 and 311
- At the NHL PreGame festival
On the Ice: Key Details and Fun Facts
- Shooting Directions: The Lightning will attack the north goal twice, while the Bruins will shoot twice toward the south end.
- **This is a first.
** No outdoor NHL games had ever been played in Florida until this year. The Panthers hosted the Winter Classic in Miami on January 2, and now Tampa joins the club.
- The ice sheet is 2½ inches thick, about an inch more than what you'd find in a typical NHL arena. That extra inch helps it hold up under the Florida elements.
- **Ryan McDonagh knows this stage well. ** The veteran Lightning defenseman has played in five outdoor games-more than any other player on either roster.
Even more impressive? He’s 5-0 in those games.
- **Outdoor games bring drama. ** Eight of the 44 previous NHL outdoor games have gone to overtime, with two ending in shootouts.
- **Home-ice advantage? ** Somewhat.
Home teams are 22-18-4 in outdoor games.
- **Scoring first matters.
** Teams that get on the board first are 27-13-4 in outdoor contests.
- The full NHL has nearly gone outdoors. 31 of 32 teams have now played in an outdoor game.
Utah will complete the set next season when it hosts the Winter Classic.
- **Sunday’s forecasted low?
** 33°F. Not exactly beach weather, but ideal for ice.
- Inside the tent: Before takedown, the climate-controlled structure maintained a 60°F interior with a dew point of 38°F. It was built to withstand winds up to 140 mph and stretched 240 feet long-an engineering feat designed to protect the ice from sun, wind, humidity, and rain.
- **Total attendance for all 44 outdoor games to date? ** Over 2.27 million fans have been part of these unforgettable events.
This is more than just another game on the schedule-this is a celebration of hockey in a place where few thought it could thrive. And yet, here we are: a sold-out stadium, two Original Six and modern powerhouse franchises, and a fanbase that’s earned this moment.
So whether you're in the stands or watching from your couch, buckle up. The Lightning and Bruins are about to make outdoor hockey history in Tampa.