Blackhawks, Blues at Wrigley Field for 2025 NHL Winter Classic

The 2025 NHL Winter Classic is set to showcase the Chicago Blackhawks welcoming the St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field in Chicago, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.

An official announcement is anticipated to be made during TNT’s Wednesday night hockey coverage.

This marks the second outdoor game featuring both teams. Previously, the Blues bested the Blackhawks with a 4-1 victory in the 2017 Winter Classic held at Busch Stadium.

For the Blackhawks, the 2025 matchup will mark their seventh appearance in outdoor games and their fifth Winter Classic participation. Notably, they last competed at Wrigley Field during the 2009 Winter Classic against the Detroit Red Wings.

“Wrigley Field,” also known as “The Friendly Confines,” will become only the second venue to host multiple Winter Classics, following Boston’s Fenway Park (which hosted the event in 2010 and 2023).

Connor Bedard, who was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, has garnered significant attention on television throughout this season. With the Blackhawks currently ranking last in the league, they are poised to bolster their roster with another promising young talent before the upcoming season.

Given the significant influence of television ratings, the Blackhawks have historically attracted a large viewership, leading to their inclusion in the event. According to the Sun-Times, this season’s Winter Classic, featuring the Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, received lower ratings compared to Bedard’s NHL debut in October. This marked the first instance since the inception of the Winter Classic as an annual event in 2008 that it did not rank as the most-watched regular season game.

Several venues, including Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium, Edgewood Tahoe Resort in Stateline, Nevada, Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field, and New York’s Yankee Stadium, have hosted multiple outdoor games, encompassing Winter Classics, Heritage Classics, and Stadium Series matchups.

Adding to this list will be MetLife Stadium in New Jersey following the upcoming Stadium Series games featuring the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Flyers.

The highly anticipated 2025 NHL Winter Classic is on the horizon, featuring a thrilling showdown between the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues. Set against the iconic backdrop of Wrigley Field in Chicago, this clash promises to be a spectacle for hockey fans worldwide.

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Here’s what you need to know about this exciting event:

Date and Venue: The game is scheduled to take place at Wrigley Field in Chicago, known fondly as “The Friendly Confines,” adding a historic touch to the matchup.
Official Announcement: The Chicago Sun-Times has reported that an official announcement is forthcoming, expected to coincide with TNT’s Wednesday night hockey coverage.
Previous Encounters: This will mark the second time both teams have faced off in an outdoor game, with the Blues securing a 4-1 victory over the Blackhawks in the 2017 Winter Classic held at Busch Stadium.
Blackhawks’ Participation: The Blackhawks have a rich history in outdoor games, with the 2025 Winter Classic marking their seventh appearance in such events and their fifth Winter Classic participation. Notably, they last competed at Wrigley Field during the 2009 Winter Classic against the Detroit Red Wings.
Significance of Venue: Wrigley Field’s selection as the venue is notable, as it becomes only the second venue to host multiple Winter Classics, following Boston’s Fenway Park.
Television Ratings Impact: Television ratings have played a significant role in the selection process, with the Blackhawks historically attracting substantial viewership. This inclusion aligns with the team’s tradition of being a ratings draw.
Connor Bedard Effect: The attention surrounding Connor Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, adds further intrigue to the event. With the Blackhawks currently positioned at the bottom of the league, their potential to acquire top talent like Bedard underscores their significance in the Winter Classic.
Changing Trends: Interestingly, recent ratings data indicates a shift in viewer preferences, with Bedard’s NHL debut garnering higher ratings than the previous season’s Winter Classic. This marks a departure from the event’s usual status as the most-watched regular season game.

In addition to the Winter Classic, other venues have hosted multiple outdoor games, including Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium, Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field, and New York’s Yankee Stadium. MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is set to join this list following the upcoming Stadium Series games.