Report: NHL In Talks With University Of Michigan For 2013 Winter Classic
The Winter Classic has become the marquee event during the regular season for the NHL, garnering more ratings than most of the hundreds of bowl games that took place for college football this year.
In five seasons, the Classic has taken place at both Major League Baseball and NFL stadiums. This year’s event, between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers took place at Citizens Bank Park in Philly. Heinz Field in Pittsburgh and Wrigley Field in Chicago have also been featured in the annual tilt.
But now, it looks like the league might be ready to take it to an even bigger venue, but this one is of the collegiate variety.
According to a report by Yahoo! Sports, the NHL is in “advanced” discussions with the University of Michigan to host their 2013 Winter Classic. The Big House holds over 110,000 seats, most of which are filled on Saturdays for Wolverine football.
There has been plenty of speculation as to who could be involved in the 2013 Winter Classic, as there always is following the January 1st or 2nd event. Plenty of this year’s talk revolved around the Detroit Red Wings, who squared off against the rival Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley back in 2009.
Obviously, a tilt at The Big House would include the Red Wings, but who would they play? While speculation had included the likes of the Hawks, Colorado Avalanche, and St. Louis Blues, it looks as if the Toronto Maple Leafs could be the first Canadian team to take the Winter Classic stage.
A potential matchup between Detroit and Toronto would be a great one for the NHL, with plenty of marquee players on each side, as well as the Original Six angle.
But the biggest thing about the potential 2013 Winter Classic is the venue. I’ve been a proponent of getting a game at the University of Michigan, despite the negative feelings I may or may not have towards their football program.
Expect an official announcement for the details later on this month, by the NHL All Star Game.
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