The NFL schedule came out this week, and with word that the Philadelphia Eagles will host a home game on January 1 (should there by an NFL season, of course) at Lincoln Financial Field, the potential for a Winter Classic to be played in our city in 2012 went right out the window, right?
Well, not so fast. Via Frank Seravalli in this morning’s Daily News:
A league source familiar with the NHL’s thinking regarding the 2012 Winter Classic told the Daily News yesterday that Citizens Bank Park is a “very real possibility” to host the event.
Even though the 2011 Winter Classic at the Steelers’ Heinz Field in Pittsburgh was considered a success, the NHL apparently prefers the coziness and layout of a ballpark as opposed to a football stadium.
Frank also reported that it looks like January 1 won’t be the game day in 2012. It’s a Sunday, there’s NFL football. It’s bad news for ratings. The report says a prime-time game on New Year’s Eve is an idea, and I think that’d work pretty well.
Personally speaking, I’d love a Winter Classic at CBP, although I still think some other cities should get the right before we do. After all, the Flyers have played in this thing already. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be damn excited for the game to come to town.
In terms of sight lines, the Linc would probably be much better, but in terms of atmosphere, it’s hard to argue with a hockey game played at Citizens Bank Park. You’d really be right on top of the action if you’re in the infield, and the seats in the outfield are high enough off the field where the sight lines might not be horrible.
Not to mention you bring the Phillies on board, and they’re everything in this town these days…
