Bruins vs. Lightning Stadium Series to Feature Pirate-Themed Field Design
Fans can look forward to the exciting 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series, featuring an outdoor game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Boston Bruins. Scheduled for February 1, 2026, this highly anticipated match will take place at Raymond James Stadium, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET. It promises to be a thrilling event, showcasing a unique pirate-themed field design.
Pirate Theme Inspired by Tampa’s Heritage
The game will celebrate Tampa’s rich pirate history with a creative field design. The NHL has revealed that the rink will rest atop a detailed treasure map. This design highlights hockey-themed landmarks, paths, and clues in honor of the annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest.
Field Design Features
- The entire field will be themed with treasure map imagery.
- End zones will be labeled “Boston Harbor” and “Tampa Bay.”
- Notable areas on the map 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
- Hedman Reef
Entertainment Highlights
The event will feature captivating entertainment, including a performance by GRAMMY Award-winning country music star Tim McGraw during the first intermission. Additionally, the U.S. National Anthem will be sung by Hunter Hayes, a multi-instrumentalist with a remarkable track record of over 3 billion global on-demand streams.
Special arrangements will also honor local service members and veterans, as they will unfurl the U.S. flag. Ivan Jarama will perform the National Anthem in sign language, showcasing the NHL’s partnership with P-X-P. The University of South Florida Naval ROTC Color Guard will present the colors for this grand occasion.
Advanced Infrastructure for the Event
This year’s NHL Stadium Series is touted as the most complex outdoor game yet. To ensure a successful event at an open-air stadium in Florida, the NHL has constructed a regulation-size rink within an air-conditioned, steel-framed structure. This innovative tent measures 34 feet high, 125 feet wide, and 240 feet long, and will be dismantled before the puck drops.
The Stadium Series game between the Lightning and Bruins is set to deliver both competitive hockey and a unique fan experience, seamlessly integrating Tampa’s pirate culture with the excitement of the NHL.
