Tampa’s rich pirate history will anchor the field design and game presentation for the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series.
The outdoor matchup between the Lightning and Bruins will take place on February 1 at Raymond James Stadium.
The NHL revealed a rendering showing the rink positioned on a massive treasure map.
The design includes hockey‑themed landmarks, winding paths, and playful clues celebrating the Gasparilla Pirate Fest.
A Treasure Map Across the Entire Field
The NHL’s transformation of Raymond James Stadium will cover the full playing surface.
The end zones will be reimagined as “Boston Harbor” and “Tampa Bay.”
Featured locations include Bear’s Den, Guentzel’s Grotto, Cross Check Cape, Slapshot Shoals, Lightning Lagoon, Brayden’s Point of No Return, Thunderbug Cove, Vinik’s Voyage, and Hedman Reef.
Shipwreck remains, sea creatures, and Gasparilla parade floats will surround the rink.
Star‑Powered Entertainment on a Wooden Dock Stage
A wooden dock between Lord Stanley Point and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla will serve as the performance stage.
GRAMMY Award‑winning country star Tim McGraw will headline the first intermission show.
Hunter Hayes will perform the U.S. National Anthem.
Hayes is a GRAMMY‑nominated multi‑instrumentalist with more than 3 billion global streams.
Ivan Jarama will perform the National Anthem in ASL as part of the NHL’s partnership with P‑X‑P.
Local service members and veterans will unfurl the U.S. flag, and the USF Naval ROTC Color Guard will present colors.
NHL Entertainment Leads a Massive Production
All in‑game entertainment will be produced by NHL Entertainment.
NHL President of Events and Content Steve Mayer will serve as executive producer.
This year’s Stadium Series is the league’s most ambitious outdoor game yet.
To manage Florida’s climate, the NHL constructed a regulation‑size rink inside a steel‑framed, air‑conditioned structure.
The structure measures 34 feet high, 125 feet wide, and 240 feet long.
It will be dismantled before the Lightning and Bruins face off in prime time.
