Atlantic Division rivals collide under the lights as the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning face off in the 2026 NHL Stadium Series on Sunday, February 1. Raymond James Stadium (home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers) will host the outdoor showdown, bringing a pirate-themed flair to ESPN’s hockey coverage.
This season’s game marks the Lightning’s second outdoor appearance and the Bruins’ fifth. It promises to be a spectacle, featuring a first intermission performance by country superstar Tim McGraw and special sideline coverage from NFL legend Jason Kelce.
Keep reading to learn how to watch the 2026 Stadium Series and scope out our TV provider recommendations.
Want more TV sports coverage?
Subscribe to CableTV.com's email newsletter for the latest event viewing guides, entertaining takes, and money-saving promotions.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions.
What channels show the NHL Stadium Series?
The 2026 NHL Stadium Series will air on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 1.
For the first time, the NHL and ESPN will also produce an alternate telecast dedicated to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. NHL in ASL will stream on ESPN+, featuring real-time play-by-play and commentary in American Sign Language.
Pro tip: In Canada, viewers can watch the NHL Stadium Series with English-language coverage on Sportsnet. TVA Sports will also carry the game with Canadian French–language commentary.
Best TV plans for watching the NHL Stadium Series
If you’re a dedicated NHL fan, chances are you already have TV access to the 2026 NHL Stadium Series on ESPN. But if not, ESPN Unlimited is an excellent, cost-effective choice. It costs $29.99/mo. and comes with the full linear ESPN channel lineup and ESPN+ for complete out-of-market NHL coverage.
Of course, there are many ways to tune in. If you want a more robust TV plan, I recommend DIRECTV as the best overall option. It carries most regional sports networks and the core NHL national channels. Best of all, select DIRECTV packages now include a complimentary subscription to ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost, giving you the best of both traditional TV and streaming.
You can also check out our How To Watch NHL Games guide for a more comprehensive look at the best NHL TV providers.
Which TV providers show the NHL Stadium Series?
Because ESPN is a standard cable channel, you’ll find the NHL Stadium Series game on most TV providers. You can browse popular services in the table below, where I highlight those that carry ESPN.
| Provider | Price | ESPN | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | $20.00–$184.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Cox Read Cox review |
| DIRECTV | $89.99–$169.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for DIRECTV Read DIRECTV review |
| DISH | $89.99–$119.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for DISH Read DISH review |
| Fubo | $14.99–$94.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for FuboTV Read Fubo review |
| Hulu + Live TV | $88.99–$99.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Hulu Read Hulu + Live TV review |
| Optimum | $15.00–$140.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Optimum Read Optimum review |
| Philo | $33.00/mo. | — |
View Plans for Philo Read Philo review |
| Sling TV | $19.99–$60.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Sling TV Read Sling TV review |
| Spectrum | $40.00–$110.00/mo. | ✔ |
Check Availability Read Spectrum review |
| Verizon Fios | $105.00–$149.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Verizon Read Verizon Fios review |
| Xfinity | $55.00–$125.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Xfinity Read Xfinity review |
| YouTube TV | $82.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for YouTube TV Read YouTube TV review |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
How can I watch the NHL Stadium Series for free?
Because the NHL Stadium Series airs on ESPN, the only way to tune in without paying is to sign up for a free streaming trial.
Fubo offers a free trial with ESPN and other national NHL channels, giving you several days of hockey action at no cost. DIRECTV and YouTube TV also carry ESPN in their channel lineups and regularly provide free trials.
Just remember to cancel before your trial period ends to avoid paying. If you go the Fubo route, it’ll conveniently show you the exact time your trial expires.
Want more NHL coverage for free? You can catch other nationally televised NHL games without signing up for a TV service by using an over-the-air (OTA) antenna to pick up your local ABC network.
How to watch the NHL Stadium Series FAQ
Can I watch the NHL Stadium Series on ESPN+?
Yes, you can catch the NHL Stadium Series's ASL alt-broadcast on ESPN+. But unlike past seasons, ESPN+ won't carry the main broadcast. You'll need the higher-tier ESPN Unlimited subscription for that.
Who is performing at the NHL Stadium Series?
Tim McGraw will perform at the 2026 NHL Stadium Series's first intermission, while Hunter Hayes will sing the U.S. National Anthem beforehand.
How can I watch the outdoor hockey game?
The 2025–2026 NHL season features two outdoor hockey events: the Winter Classic and Stadium Series. In the U.S., you can watch the Winter Classic on TNT and the Stadium Series on ESPN. There was no Heritage Classic game this season.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com Sports Editor, Taylor Kujawa, spent the last four NHL seasons researching and hands-on testing the best ways to watch NHL games. For the NHL Stadium Series, Taylor compared popular TV services to determine his top viewing recommendations, focusing on pricing, channel availability, and ease of use.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
