In the next of a long string of badly-kept secrets from the NHL regarding its Winter Classic, the 2015 version will be hosted right here in Washington, DC. The formal announcement will come from Caps owner Ted Leonsis tomorrow during the team’s annual Caps Convention.
No information yet on the venue or opponent; supposedly that will come tomorrow during Leonsis’ announcement. Potential sites are Nationals Stadium (of which Leonsis has a minor ownership stake of which Mark Lerner, one of the Nats owners, has a stake in Leonsis’ Monumental Sports company) or FedEx Field in Maryland, home of the Washington pro football team.
Opponents can run the gamut, but ideally would be from one of the larger hockey television markets and a team rival. With the Caps in a new division this year, the list only increases with possibilities.
The 2015 Winter Classic will take place on January 1 and be aired nationally on NBC.
Having lived in the DC area for ten years, Ben still loves to wander the city with his wife, shooting lots of photos and exploring all the latest exhibits and galleries. A certified hockey fanatic, he spends some time debating the Washington Capitals club with friends – but everyone knows of his three decade love affair with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
A professional writer, gamer, photographer, and Lego enthusiast, Ben remains captivated by DC and doesn’t plan on leaving any time soon.
Ted Leonsis does not have an ownership stake in the Nats, however one of the Nats owners, Mark Lerner has a stake in Monumental Sports & Entertainment.
Oh all the locations, Nationals Park is the best for location (being in the shadow of the Capitol) and amenities. FedEx Field has the most seats. RFK has the bounciest seats.
That Baltimore is even a consideration is a disappointing development — where is the double-bottom line on that?
And the seats will be filled with bandwagon fans wearing #8 jerseys, all yelling “SHOOT!” during power plays…