Hockey at Busch: Blues to host Blackhawks in Winter Classic
ST. LOUIS -- Outdoor NHL hockey finally is coming to St. Louis.
The NHL announced Wednesday that the St. Louis Blues will host the 2017 Winter Classic on Jan. 2 at Busch Stadium. They will play the Central Division rival Chicago Blackhawks, their opponent Wednesday at Scottrade Center.
The announcement was made at Scottrade by Blues great Brett Hull, who was flanked by Blues chairman Tom Stillman and Cardinals president Bill DeWitt III.
The Blues' first game in the league's series of outdoor games coincides with the 100th anniversary of the NHL and the 50th season of the Blues, an expansion team in the 1967-68 season.
"We are proud and honored to be chosen as the host city for the 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic," Blues president and CEO Chris Zimmerman said in a team statement. "Our organization and our fans have been clamoring for the opportunity to showcase the city of St. Louis and one of the greatest rivalries in sports. This will be a historic event at Busch Stadium and a great addition to our 50th anniversary celebration."
Capacity for the game at Busch is expected to be almost 50,000.
