The “Wicked: For Good” film opened in theaters on November 21 and grossed over $147 million in the U.S. and $223 million globally. With another box office success and music tour preparation, will Ariana Grande find time for a historical hockey event in Miami, FL?

Why Ariana Grande?

An American singer-turned-actress was born in Boca Raton, FL, in June 1993. The Florida Panthers played their first NHL game on Oct. 6, 1993. It was meant to be for the future Oscar nominee to become a hockey fan.

So, the “Boy is mine” performer and her family attended the Panthers’ games as season ticket holders. Ariana made it on the cover of a few local newspapers as the first fan to be struck by a puck. Her hockey and music passions united once again in 2001, when an eight-year-old Grande sang the National Anthem before a Panthers game.

As years went by and her career reached global heights, Ariana Grande’s love for the Florida Panthers grew stronger. Occasionally, the Cats fans share their opinion about having Grande perform the “Star Spangled Banner” before a game. She sang it before the kickoff of the Seattle Seahawks’ season in 2014. The third time would be a charm, especially in her homeland and in front of the Florida Panthers fans.

Grande attended the 2024 Stanley Cup finals in Sunrise. She later congratulated the team on her IG account. Many fans wonder if the two-time Grammy winner will appear in the much-anticipated Winter Classic on January 2, 2026, in Miami.

In addition to a historic hockey game at the Miami Marlins’ stadium, the NHL is preparing a major fan festival featuring special guests, contests, and the Stanley Cup. It’s still unknown who will perform the National Anthem or who will be invited to make VIP appearances.

No matter what, the Florida Panthers and Ariana Grande have a unique connection. As soon as the singer-songwriter announced her upcoming music tour, the Panthers shared a sweet welcome post on their social media accounts, teasingly preparing a locker room space and a personalized jersey for Grande. She will perform at Amerant Bank Arena on June 30, July 2, and July 3 of 2026.

Let’s hope Ariana Grande will find time for the 2026 NHL Winter Classic in Miami.