MLive.com has learned the Red Wings expect to host the annual Winter Classic either next season or in 2013-14.
The Red Wings would prefer to have the game at Comerica Park, home of the Tigers, also owned by Mike Ilitch. But it might take place at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor due to its huge capacity.
The stadium hosted the "Big Chill at the Big House" on Dec. 11, 2010, attracting a world record announced crowd of 113,411 in the game between Michigan and Michigan State.
Detroit and New York are in line for the next two NHL outdoor games in the U.S.
Since the New York Rangers play in this season’s Winter Classic on Jan. 2 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia against the Flyers, it stands to reason that Detroit would be the leading candidate to host next season’s game since the league is unlikely to have the same team (the Rangers) play in it two years in a row.
The Red Wings played in the 2009 Winter Classic at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, beating the Blackhawks 6-4.
A limited number of NHL cities in the U.S. can host these events due to climate. Buffalo, Chicago, Boston and Pittsburgh already have hosted outdoor games.
Minnesota and Columbus probably would be the only other places capable of hosting the Winter Classic, but it’s doubtful NBC would want to show the Wild or the Blue Jackets, who would not garner good enough TV ratings.
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