2013 Winter Classic Goes Big with the ‘Big House’
After five years of the NHL Winter Classic, the Toronto Maple Leafs will have their first chance to compete in this chilly classic.
The news of this Winter Classic should come to no surprise to anyone who watched the Winter Classic. This was the NHL’s not best kept secret.
The report of this news originally came from the University of Michigan website, which stated that;
The NHL, the Detroit Red Wings and the University of Michigan have finalized a deal to hold next season’s Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium, a source told MLive.com.
Source – http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2012/01/source_winter_classic_at_michi.html
ESPN Craig Custance Reported that;
“The league estimates that the game in Philadelphia brought in an economic impact of $30 to $35 million. These Winter Classic events are projected to double that. Collins suggested the number could be as high as $75 million for southeast Michigan. A region that can use the boost.”
Source – http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/14549/nhl-dreaming-big-for-2013-winter-classic
Another significant piece of information is that
“There will also be American League hockey between the Grand Rapid Griffins and Toronto Marlies, two Ontario Hockey League games involving the four area teams, high school and youth hockey games played at Comerica, as well as public-skating sessions. The events, which will run for the final two weeks of December, are expected to bring more than 250,000 fans to the downtown area.”
Source – http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=616022&print=true
This should be an enjoyable event for all who make their way to Michigan next year.
Winter Classic Location History
2008: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo
2009: Wrigley Field, Chicago
2010: Fenway Park, Boston
2011: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
2012: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
After looking at previous Winter Classic match ups, I noticed that next year will be the first year a Canadian team will participate in the Winter Classic. My only hope is that in the up and coming years, the Winter Classic would be played in a Canadian city.
I will be looking forward to the largest hockey game in the history of hockey.
Rant Sports Toronto Maple Leafs Feature Writer
Look for my weekly blog “NHL Fantasy Hat-Trick” on Five Hole Dive
Email me at [email protected]
Follow me on Twitter @thejazlive
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