Report: Blackhawks and Red Wings to play at Wrigley Field for '09 outdoor game
2008-05-29 10:21:12
Comcast Sportsnet reported Wednesday night that next year's outdoor NHL game will be an Original Six matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks taking on the Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs.
No formal date has been announced, though the January 1 placement of this year's game in Buffalo, a game attended by more than 71,000 to see the Sabres taking on the Pittsburgh Penguins at Ralph Wilson Stadium, seemed to work well. An official announcement from the NHL is expected in the coming weeks.
The other leading candidate to host the 2009 game, Yankee Stadium, had been ruled out recently by Gary Bettman.
Wrigley Field was built in 1914 and is considered one of the meccas of baseball. After renovations in 2006, the capacity for baseball games increased to 41,118, but the NHL could potentially add more seats to increase the attendance for their game.
BT (Posted 2008-05-29 20:26:33)
Why does Chicago still have an NHL team? A half-empty arena for most of their home games the past 10 years and the franchise is still there? Ridiculous. Who cares about the team history; move 'em to a market that will care about them.
Daryl Moncrief (Posted 2008-05-29 17:15:34)
This is a great match-up between a young talented team against an established powerhouse. Wrigley field is a great place for it too. The NHL will never move it to a so-called neutral location because part of the idea is to bring revenue to NHL cities.
Chuck (Posted 2008-05-29 16:41:41)
This sounds great, but is there still time for slight modification? How about moving the game 180miles North .... to Lambeau Field? *MUCH* nicer venue, better logistics and parking, and a fair neutral site that is still close for both teams. Further, a wings/hawks game at Lambeau creates an opportunity for folks from Detroit and Chicago to actually have a pleasant experience at the tundra.
JAKE (Posted 2008-05-29 16:09:45)
This is a great choice by the NHL. They will draw a ton of chicago and detroit fans. Two orignal six teams and the fan base of the wings will definitly make this a hit.
FR (Posted 2008-05-29 11:22:22)
hey Jim. keep the net out. maybe steve will get a puck shot at him!
Jim Reinecke (Posted 2008-05-29 11:11:58)
Will protective netting be placed above the glass around the entire playing surface rather than just behind the goals? After all, Steve Bartman may be in attendance. Just wondering.
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