The Detroit Red Wings will host the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL’s annual showpiece event on January 1. Nicknamed ‘The Big House,’ Michigan Stadium is the largest in North America. “The Red Wings' tradition of excellence, Detroit's passion for hockey and the glorious history of the Maple Leafs create a Winter Classic scenario for the ages,” said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. “The meeting of these two 'Original Six' rivals, at this iconic venue, will lift this Winter Classic to incomparable heights. The demand to be there will be so great that this event could only be held at The Big House.”
Bettman made Thursday’s announcement at Comerica Park, home of Major League Baseball franchise the Detroit Tigers. The ballpark will host the Hockeytown Winter Festival, a week-long celebration of the game at all levels. The 2013 Winter Classic marks the first time a Canadian-based franchise is part of the festivities, along with the first instance of the events being split between two venues.
The NHL’s policy of staging an annual outdoor game has proved hugely successful since the Winter Classic’s introduction in 2008. The attendance record for a NHL game was set in the inaugural Classic when 71,217 fans filled Ralph Wilson Stadium to see the Pittsburgh Penguins defeat the host Buffalo Sabres. Boston's Fenway Park (2010), Pittsburgh's Heinz Field (2011) and Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park, on New Year’s Day, have since hosted the event. Ice hockey’s current attendance record occurred at the Big House in December 2010 when a crowd of 104,173 watched Michigan defeat Michigan State in a game known as the ‘Big Chill.’
“This is one of the greatest sports towns ever and to be able to host this celebration of the sport of hockey will provide a tremendous positive economic impact to our community,” said Detroit Red Wings owner Michael Ilitch. “We are proud to show the world why we love Hockeytown.”
Brian Burke, Toronto Maple Leafs president and general manager, added: “The rich hockey heritage of these two original six hockey clubs will make for an extremely memorable event played in front of the NHL’s largest crowd ever. The atmosphere and pageantry will be an outstanding spectacle for our sport.”
