Despite the declining popularity of the Winter Classic, hockey fans in St. Louis have been clamoring for the event to come to Busch Stadium. Even if it was just a Stadium Series game, Blues fans have yearned for a chance to watch hockey outside. According to a report from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, that wish may come true in early 2017.
Via the Post-Dispatch:
The NHL is finalizing discussions to bring an outdoor hockey game to Busch Stadium in 2017, multiple sources have told the Post-Dispatch.
The plan is not yet complete, but the league is strongly considering the city to host the “Winter Classic,” in which the Blues’ opponent could be the Chicago Blackhawks. There is also the option of the team playing in a “Stadium Series” game, but according to sources, the Cardinals are expecting to host a hockey game at Busch on Jan. 2, which is a potential date for next year’s Winter Classic.
Though nothing has been confirmed, it all makes a lot of sense. The NHL has previously stated they’d like to get the Blues and the Midwest in general more involved in an outdoor game and the Blackhawks are the most logical opponent. Not only is the rivalry there, but the Blackhawks being involved in the game may help alleviate concerns over low ratings without a team from the Eastern Conference participating.
This is obviously an event to celebrate, should it happen. However, it’s a shame the Winter Classic doesn’t pack the luster it once did thanks to the league saturating the market for outdoor games and generally failing to bring any life to the once great spectacle. Should the Blues play host, the game will definitely sell out and be a big attraction for St. Louis, but it’s still a bit annoying that the league waited so long (and had some teams compete twice) before reportedly giving the Blues an outdoor game.
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