The 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series returns for a fourth straight year on ESPN networks as the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Boston Bruins on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 6:30 p.m. ET. This year’s matchup at Raymond James Stadium features state‑of‑the‑art production, a first‑intermission performance by Tim McGraw and special guest appearances throughout the broadcast.
From a production standpoint, Producer Gregg Colli said, “The most obvious challenge is an outdoor rink in Central Florida. At first you think, ‘sunny Florida weather, keeping the ice cold will be the biggest concern.’ Then, you remember how storms just seem to come and go as they want in that area, and it throws another wrinkle into the preparation.” He added, “To our entire production team, this is more than a hockey game, this is an event,” noting, “Jeff Dufine (Producer) and our entire game crew have so many bells and whistles lined up, people will think this is the Stanley Cup.”
Coverage will feature aerial shots, Skycam, on‑ice skatecam, Mindfly referee cameras, mic’d players and virtual graphics, plus a “Best Seat in the House” location returns with rotating special guest interviews on ice level.
In addition to Sunday’s tentpole event, ESPN’s NHL team will tackle an ABC doubleheader on Saturday (Colorado Avalanche-Detroit Red Wings at 1 p.m., New York Rangers-Pittsburgh Penguins at 3:30) and an additional ESPN game on Sunday (Vegas Golden Knights-Anaheim Ducks) following the Stadium Series matchup.
Associate Manager of Programming Curt Bell outlined the coordination behind the hockey-packed weekend: “It’s very intentional and strategic, but these weekends don’t come together without great teamwork across the company.
“The resources that go into a Stadium Series game are monumental, and we work very closely with production to ensure their team has what they need to produce four high-profile games in four different states in just over 24 hours.
“An outdoor hockey game in Florida might sound impractical at first, but the creativity and innovation behind it gives fans a glimpse into the continuing evolution of the league and the spectacle that is outdoor hockey.”
