It's official: Winter Classic at Fenway Park

I am disappointed that the Bruins will be playing the Flyers. I think it should have been an "Original Six" team. Montreal Canadiens would have been a good choice because of the great rivalry. NY Rangers would have also been a good choice, but the Flyers? Talk about a let down :( BUMMER

This is fantastic... Philadelphia was an excellent choice. Much better than Pittsburgh vs. Buffalo I'll tell ya...

@Laurie Just be thankful it wasn't a team like the Blue Jackets. The Broad Street Bullies will do just fine.

Even the Hurricanes...aka Whalers would have been better than the flyers. I cant believe its not Montreal?!! But I figure ever Original Six team will probably have one at home at some point...no way that was Detroit's last Winter Classic.

Laurie
You have to remember that NBC has had the rights to this game in the past and I believe they still have the rights. Since NBC doesnt broadcast in Canada they would lose half of their market to I believe TSN. That's why it isn't Montreal or Toronto. It's not Detroit or Chicago because they were last year and I have a feeling you'll see Rangers\Caps from New York in 2011

The NHL made a mistake, and with all due respect Laurie....the Bruins should be hosting the Capitals at the Winter Classic!!

With you Laurie. As a guy whose recall of the "Original Six" is on the edge of memory (b. 1958), I agree. Nothing cooler than a B's-Habs meeting. Where's the sense of tradition? Rangers. Red Wings. Maple Leafs. Black Hawks. All would have been cool matchups.

TV ratings = Flyers. I'll be there..Let's Go Flyers!

I agree. Why not an original six team, why not Montreal? Why an expansion team?
(Oh yes they are)

First of all, I'm delighted that the classic will be here. Second, I only wish I could afford A ticket but I know I won't be able to. Third, can you please, PLEASE stop promoting this "Original Six" nonsense. The Bruins were an EXPANSION team, the first U.S.-based NHL franchise, entering the NHL in 1924. This "OS" nonsense dates from 1942. By that year, there were only SIX teams left in the NHL and only 2 of them were "original." These six teams were the only ones in the NHL until 1967.

Guys we have said it 100 times on here, its NOT going to be montreal, it was NEVER going to be Montreal with NBC getting coverage they want a team in the US to make as much $$ as possible. They do not have the rights to broadcast the game in Canada. NBC is carrying the game here in the US. If a Canadian team is going to be in the next classic, it will be TWO canadian teams!

As Chris above said, NBC had the final call and Philly is much MUCH more marketable in the US than a game against Montreal or Toronto. Obviously it would have been awesome to watch a B's/Habs game, but NBC is showing this to the whole nation, not just the Northeast. I'm stoked that Fenway is hosting a game, period, and Philly will be a great opponent.

I'm sure everyone will stop calling them that after 42 years-might as well get used to it.

I would have liked it to be against the Habs also but I'll beat Philly too.

Hoping to be there.

The Heritage Classic was played on November 22, 2003 not 1993. That would have made Ty Conklin only 17 years old.

Forsberg's response:

Nice catch, thanks!

The Bruins and the Flyers. Two expansion teams: Boston - 1924, Philadelphia - 1967. (btw, what's borisball? Is that like basketball or dodgeball?)

Great to have the Classic in Boston and at Fenway, but anything except a game against an "Original 6" team lessons the event.

Lets hope its cold enough.When do the tickets go on sale????

Tickets to this will never reach the public. The Bruins season ticket holders are guaranteed a seat and then I heard Red Sox season ticket holders have the option to buy tickets. After that, good luck. Glad I have B's season tickets........

Do I hear $2,000?
$2,000???
I have $2,000, do I hear $2,500???
Sold to the gentleman willing to pay me $2,500 each

and not a single personin any seat will be able to see a minute of the action with that layout

So, who's selling the tickets? Fenway or the Gahhden?

Three of the four major Boston sports franchises will have played in Fenway after this coming New Year's Day. When will the Celtics get their turn? Maybe an NBA Finals Game 7 should be planned for this coming spring (actually its summer by the time the finals roll around).

PLEASE ! No freaking Sweet Caroline between periods. I'm begging you Bruins....do NOT let the Red Sox get there game presentation fingerprints on YOUR event. Please , I'm so SICK of that song.

It'll be plenty cold enough. If the NHL can play an outdoor game in Las Vegas in September, they can handle Boston in January. The only problem would be rain.

How many fans will be able to see the action from a good angle? Like 3,000?
What a ripoff.

What happens if it is one of those strange days in January that is 60 degrees outside. Just a thought!!!!!

what happen if it rains?

Petrocelli still has room to make the catch to win the pennant.

Supposedly, the Habs are already working on a game for Olympic Stadium for sometime this season, for the end of their lame 100th Anniversary celebration. It will likely be Habs-Leafs, so I'd bet there will be no coverage here in the U.S. for that one, unless the NHL Network picks it up...

After the high-end season ticket holders and NHL/NBC schmoozers get through, there will be no tickets for "real" Bruins or Flyers fans, I am sure...

Montreal already played in a Winter Classic and Astounded has it right.
Flyers = Ratings (and big hits)

Let's go Flyers!

what a bunch of bums you all are! I dont give a hoot if they are playing the freakin Minnesota Wild or the Nashville Preds... Its bruins hockey... outside... in fenway park... get over yourselves!!

It's amazing how much people just feel the need to complain. Who cares who the Bruins play. It's going to be fun to watch them play outside at Fenway. Lighten up and enjoy.

I think it would be cool just to get a chance to skate at Fenway Park!

Isn't that kind of far from the stands?

I agree it should have been Montreal or the Rangers. Either way, I too, am glad it's not Phoenix, Nashville or the Blue Jackets, etc. People from Phili may make the trip, and getting people to spend their money in Boston (hotel rooms, restaurants, etc) is something the city can always use in this economy.

ALSO, I think an Old-Timer's game at Fenway between the old B's and Broad St Bullies would be a good draw. I'd go check it out if some of the more popular guys were playing and it wasn't that expensive...

WHO CARES IT'S NOT AN ORIGINAL 6!!! THE EVENT WILL BE GREAT EITHER WAY. STOP WRITING ABOUT THAT, YOUR WASTING YOUR TIME AND EVERYONE ELSES FOR HAVING TO READ THE CRAP! i don't think any of you realize how big a rivalry the flyers have become, the flyers are the team that nearly paralyzed bergeron! just be happy that it's coming to Boston and stop whining about it not being Montreal!

Otis, clearly anything that "lessons" the event will be a boon to hockey fans

"goaltender Ty Conklin is the only player to have played in all four Classic games"

2003, 2008, 2009 = 3 games

Spend how much money to sit and watch a hockey game that is going to be like looking at a table top hockey game from your roof, freezing your butt of.

No Thanks

1) Ty Conklin is the only player to have played in all four Classic games.

2) The NHL Winter Classic began as the Heritage Classic ...at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on Nov. 22, 2003.

3) The outdoor games resumed in 2008... Penguins edged the Buffalo , 2-1, .
Earlier this year... Detroit bested Chicago ....

How can he have played in 4 "classic" games when, according to the article, there have only been three?

The whole concept is awesome. Bruins playing at Fenway. Philly is a great matchup. The Bruins have had a long rivalry with them going back to the '70's. I agree with one of the earlier comments, it doesn't matter who they play, just bring it on.

You think Fenway is cold in April, Just think how cold that day will be!! be sure to wear the ole long Johns

The things people will pay for to say they were there...nobody who goes will actually be able to see a live puck with the naked eye. Can you say JUMBOTRON? It'll be cheaper to buy a giant new TV and set it up in your back yard if you really want to watch hockey outside.

So Laurie, guess you won't be going then, huh? ; )

LucicRocks said..."@Laurie Just be thankful it wasn't a team like the Blue Jackets."
Umm...the Blue Jackets were in the playoffs this year. Mason vs Thomas in goal? Best goalie matchup in the league. Ever heard of Rick Nash?
Think before you type.

Padraig, we are so proud that you bought the DVD on Bruins history but stop dissing the original six! Where do the Sens fall in your obsession with historical correctness? Anyway, I would rather have the Flyers than the Caps. Looch and Pronger slugging away at Center ice-that poster will be in the malls for decades!

It should have been the Rangers in for the game. They have a history, but the Broadway Blues have their usual collection of over the hill over paid players. I would have preferred seeing the B's play the Habs or the Leafs (the Habs are out, having outside before and the Leafs ****!

I'll drive from Kentucky to be able to say that I've skated on the infield at Fenway.

This is going to be a great event, no matter who the Bruins play. I also like the fact that tickets will be available to the public. According to the notice I received today; as a season ticket holder, I am only guaranteed one seat for each season ticket I have, the rest will be made available to the general public.

Just not looking forward to some dumb massholes to start chanting "yankees suck" like they do for every event in Fenway. I am a Sox fan; but please...give it a break.

Love the Petrocelli comment Jack Straw. Dead ever play there?
I have the ticket stub from when my parents saw FDR speak @ Fenway.
And I really was (hence my name) at the Fisk Game there (and the next one, game 7, with my other NSHS buds)
Don't know if I can afford and/or get a ticket for this, so it might be the public skate for me.
As a weather nut and life-long New Englander I can tell you that the temperature will be between 8 below and 80 above. It could be raining, snowing sleeting, sunny or my favorite thunder-snow. No hurricanes or tornadoes on January 1 possible, but just about anything else is on the table. There are some historically famous New Year's Day blizzards. But of course 55 degrees and fog is just as likely.

For Everyone complaining about the placement of the rink, just think about when the Sox went to L.A. at the end of spring training this year. They changed the setup of the stadium and everything for some stupid spring training games, don't you think they'll do the same thing for this. Even though the rink is in the middle of the field, they will almost definitely add a boatload of seat in the infield and outfield. I live in Florida now, and I plan on getting tickets and flying up for this one!!!

I wanted it to be Montreal(for obvious reasons), but we are lucky to have the Winter Classic in Boston PERIOD- Bruins vs. Flyers NICE!!!! and yes it is funny all the complainers on here- I mean if you want a ticket -SPEND THE MONEY- if not, the game will look GREAT on HD. I am just hoping for two things.... #1 a win....and #2 that the Bruins get the late 80's white jerseys OR black ones out for the game- I loved those

I am a displaced Bostonian who witnessed how the "Winter Classic" affected a sports base last season in Chicago :Guys, last year the Winter Classic was held at Wrigley and really stimulated support for the Blackhawks. I think that Fenway hosting the classic combined with the success of the Bruins can really be beneficial for a team that has been over shaddowed in a sports media giant like Boston. However, being a baseball purist, I am disapointed that Fenway will be hosting the Bruins becausse I feel like its a one day attraction, or carnaval, and takes away from the Baseball roots of Fenway. Hate so say it but, the only home team for me at Fenway is and always will be the Boston Red Sox
In Close- great move for the Bruins, NHL, and Hockey fans alike
poor decesion for Fenway Park's nostalgia

My frozen butt, and my wife's (gorgeous) frozen butt will be there.

Great job, B's, landing this event. One for the ages. Can't wait.

The Bruins are considered an original six team because they were one of the first six teams to play in the NHL while it ONLY had the same six teams until the 1960s. That's why they are called the original six, due to the fact that they were the six teams that played together without any expansion. Also, the Flyers and the Bruins have always produced a great game, with hard hitting and lots of action in goal. I expect the same to be produced during the Winter classic at fenway.

$95-$350 a ticket. You can always pawn your wedding rings and/or nascar trinkets to get 2 seats and parking, just so you can twist your neck around poles. If this truly is a major draw, why isn't this game in foxboro? double the seating , they could charge 1/2 the price , and get twice the concessions. I bet J J is losing sleep knowing aramark is getting all the concessions.Each bite of a hot dog from 36000 people will bring tears to his eyes! Oh the humanity!! How do you trade kessel now?

I gotta say, I agree that Montreal vs Boston would have been epic. But just imagine what a kick in the nuts it would be IF, and I mean IF, the Canadiens beat the Bruins in Fenway Park. I believe the Bruins are going to beat ANY team they face that day to a bloody pulp, and I will see that game live if I have to hang off the frickin' Hancock Tower to do it- but I would hate to even give the habs a slim chance of bragging rights.

Man, you people are all over the place with this game

i'll repeat what i posted to prior thread based on being in Wrigley last year, best seats were at the corners on the infield side and much higher than you would expect to want to be. baseball seating = cannot see over the boards, and down low all you see is the top half of men skating back/forth. And behind homeplate will be advertised by scalpers as best seats - they are awful. Think higher and under cover.

Why not sell the tickets like the Miley Cyrus Tour -- you have to swipe the credit card used to buy the tickets to gain admittance to venue.

NHL should jack the prices way up and use revenue for charity or NHLPA benefit. Why let a bunch of scalpers make a living off reselling sports tickets. Never understood that.

"Real fans" are always shut out of these super events. We need to get over it. These events help the sport and grow its base in the US - so we can see a real TV contract, higher salary cap, maybe a soft cap someday, and stop worrying about franchises going under.

as for the opponent, if you recall from Detroit/Chicago last year, the teams must have been warned about not fighting, and the ref's were all over every encounter to prevent fights. Not sure what the league decided -- image, or just too cold to fight. But that ruled out the Habs - could you imagine a Bruins/Habs game without fighting.

whoever said, who cares who the opponent it, is right on. Original 6 dont get first dibs on everything.

And last year at Wrigley, they kept the rink up for days after the game and for $10 you could skate a short session - to raise money for a charity i beleive, so you will get your wish too.

What's local word on Kessel - did i miss something because he isnt being crucified on this blog?

so cant wait and wanna be there ya habs would have been a great matchup but flyers is no way a let down after what they did to bergy a few years ago theres been a little bad blood cant wait go bruins!!

Bruins, Red Sox, whatever. That place is still a freakin' dump.

buccaneer81, the blue jackets are a team that has only been around for like 6 months and is in a college football town.

Lucicrocks was saying at least they are playing a team with some history and a fanbase that knows the sport. Philly is the best choice for this game after you take out the rangers and Canadian teams.

Obviously.

Think before you type.

Who cares about bruins flyers, BU vs. BC is the real event here and everyone knows it

The rink should be rotated 90 degrees, so that one net is on the 3rd base line and the other one is in short right field/ right center. In other words, the way they used to lay out a football field back in the day.

Then you bring in some temporary bleachers to put directly under the green monster (like the used to do for football games).

totally agree, BU vs. BC is way better; oh and by the way, by opening the skating to the general public do they mean any well-connected local pol/cop/firefighter/union member

ok, for the people whining about not being able to see lets keep a couple things in mind. 1. a puck is every bit as small as a baseball. 2. last time i checked they aren't changing the color of a puck, it will still be black on white ice which sticks out pretty well. 3. the puck does not get hit into the air so high that people in the grandstand can't see it. i would argue that viewing a hockey game might be even better than that of a baseball game unless your blind as a bat. i think most people at this event will be able to see just fine, taking aside a few un-moveable obstructions that fenway is so well known for. so if for any reason you dont think you'll have a good time just do us true Bruins fans a favor and stay at home and watch it, we dont want a couple people ruining it for the rest of us

Where do you go to get tickets? I love it that they are playing in Boston and at Fenway park!

this is great for a great hockey city. we have awsome college and high school hockey and just the thought of seeing fenway with a rink in the middle is chilling, this will be great, no sweet caroline, that song makes fenway and its fans look like trash. go bruins, red sox and buff bills

I agree. Enough Already with the Sweet Caroline!!

Type your comment here...well,i guess the real hockey fans the KIDS who play it,won't be getting into this game at $400.00 for SRO ,the real fans get let down again,it's all about the money,to bad guys ,you could have put the b's up there with the celtics,pats and sox's,but instead it's all about the season ticket holders,in which half of them sell their tickets off,only go to the BIG games

we are bring alot of snowball n throw at flyers ...hooray

Anyone got tickets? I need two!!! LOL

The NBC wants RATINGS, first and foremost. Good ratings is good for the NHL, which needs to establish itself as a viable sport for national regular season TV coverage, especially after losing the ESPN deal. We hockey purists know the Habs would be the ultimate rivalry, but not many tune in outside of Canada and the Northeast. The Rangers are a good argument for an "Original Six" team, but the plans are to put NY in the Winter Classic for the 2010-11 season.

So, being that Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, have had their day in the spotlight, Philly, with a huge, loyal fan base AND a reputation for being a physical team will make for some good hockey

What the h3ll!!?!! Why are ya'll complaining? I wish I could be there to see them play at Fenway! I'm stuck overseas for the past seven years waiting for the day I get to go back and see the Bruins OR Fenway. SO do us a favor and enjoy a beautiful cold arse day watching Ice Hockey OUTSIDE, a true old time hockey at FENWAY in one of the greatest cities of America, Boston! Be blessed!!! Now Go Bs!

It wasn't Montreal because NBC has the rights....and that means they would only have the rights to one city....Boston....CBC would have gottan the Montreal feeds.....so it, for now, is only going to be a US city vs US city....The Flames and Leafs will be playing in Calgary the same day!

What kind of game will it be???? It should be a physical one,but considering the fun, event thing surrounding this,it sounds like it should be pond hockey.Kessel should be healthy by then,and raise the entertainment value.NHL INC.,will take some of his cap hit

How ironic is Ward's quote looking today? lol

please... someone tell me how do you get tickets???
im sooo excited and me and my dad are HUGE flyers fans since i was little but we want to take my whole family.. is that even possible?? im not a snob idc how high i have to sit. if someone could tell me that would be great!!

yayyy flyers. bulliesss bring it! ill bring snowballs too!