Here come the 'Hawks

by blackhawk24 on May 28, 2008 10:45 PM CDT

Corey Provis reporting on the 'GN post game show, the Cubs, Blackhawks and the NHL have agreed to showcase a Blackhawks / Redwings game at Wrigley Field New Years Day, 2009. Corey states this comes from David Kaplan. More certainly to come later.

The long awaited announcement - by me at least - has come at last. Our buddy John McDonough is showing yet again why he is the big time marketing genious that lofted the Cubs to the top of MLB. He's now doing with the Blackhawks.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Yep, heard the same. Couldn't find any confirming news stories yet, but...

espn.com posted a story earlier today about various comments made by Bettman at the Stanley Cup finals.

Regarding the possibility of another outdoor game, here’s what he said:

Another Winter Classic?
One thing seems clear—with the success of the Winter Classic between Pittsburgh and Buffalo in January, the NHL once again will take its game outdoors next season. But just where that might be, Bettman wasn’t prepared to say. With logistical problems pushing a date at Yankee Stadium to the back burner, one of the sites being hotly debated is Chicago’s Soldier Field with a possible date between the Blackhawks and Red Wings.
Bettman did say talk of an annual “Battle of Pennsylvania” at Penn State likely wouldn’t work given the number of teams that are interested in hosting an outdoor game.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on May 28, 2008 10:54 PM CDT reply actions

Interesting

I’m a big Blackhawks fan and LOVE what is going on with this franchise under the leadership of Rocky Wirtz. That being said I don’t get the attraction of outdoor hockey at a big venue like Wrigley. As as a Cub fan I’m not wild about anything that could possibly compromise the playing surface that was just completely redone to state-of-the-art specs. If I want Blackhawk hockey then I head to the United Center.

"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."

by MDBNIU on May 28, 2008 11:18 PM CDT reply actions

It's winter.

The grass is dormant. Unlike concerts, you wouldn’t have thousands of seats on the field, just the ice rink, which would likely be put on the infield—much of that would be on the dirt of the infield, not the grass.

Soldier Field has 25,000 more seats than Wrigley and the skyline right behind it, which makes for good TV.

Wrigley Field has its history going for it. It’ll be interesting to see what they choose. If they choose Wrigley, I hope they offer Cub season ticket holders some tickets. Would love to go.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on May 29, 2008 3:44 AM CDT up reply actions

The snowfall at that game...

... is what made that such a cool thing to watch. I think the Hawks would be a great thing to see at Wrigley. Getting the weather to cooperate with a nice dusting would be a bonus. Then of course there is Wrigleyville… can you imagine the buzz that would be surrounding the game?

by RMRZisMYmanCRUSH on May 28, 2008 11:58 PM CDT reply actions

For the first time in years

I’d come back to Chicago in winter to be a part of that.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 29, 2008 2:30 AM CDT reply actions

And,

Best seats in the house would probably be the bleachers….

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 29, 2008 2:31 AM CDT reply actions

Something special is happening at the United Center folks. Get in at the beginning.

I’ve been a Blackhawks fan since I was born and this is a very exciting time.

I am so there on New Year/s Day if I can get tickets.

We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.

by puckishcubsfan on May 29, 2008 7:09 AM CDT reply actions

Best fight song in sports followed closely behind by Bear Down Chicago Bears.

Now if the Bears can get it going with the Blackhawks on their way back and the Cubs playing like they are I might pass out from shear joy.

And NU is coming off a decent season with a lot of players coming back.

We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.

by puckishcubsfan on May 29, 2008 7:10 AM CDT reply actions

It blows me away

that it’s still May, the Cubs are tied for the best record in baseball and I’m actually excited about the Blackhawks! It’s a testament to the amazing job Rocky Wirtz and John McDonough have done in a very short time. Playing an outdoor game against the Red Wings at Wrigley Field is a dream come true for a huge Cubs/Hawks fan like myself.

by bluekoolaide on May 29, 2008 8:51 AM CDT reply actions