Hockey is coming to Fenway
Fenway Park -- the stadium that has housed the Boston Red Sox for the last 97 years -- isn't just for baseball anymore.
The National Hockey League announced today that next year's annual Winter Classic will be held at the beloved Boston ballpark. On Jan. 1, 2010, thousands of hockey fans will pour into the nearly century-old stadium to watch the Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers battle it out at the outdoor arena.
"A unique event deserves a unique venue, and we are delighted the Bruins and Flyers will renew their rivalry with the 'Green Monster' providing the backdrop," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a news release.
If you're wondering what it's like to convert a baseball stadium into a hockey arena, here's a video of the preparations for last year's Winter Classic at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
You can see more pictures on Schuyler Baehman's Twitter feed here.
-- Brendan Bigelow
Photo: The "Green Monster" scoreboard in left field at Fenway Park announces the Winter Classic in Boston. Credit: Charles Krupa / Associated Press
Thousands of hockey fans? Umm, try tens and tens of thousands until it is filled to capacity and also a worldwide TV audience. Geez....
Posted by: Peggy | July 16, 2009 at 12:21 PM
The Winter Classic is Bettman's one good idea in all his years in office.
Posted by: Joe | July 17, 2009 at 04:18 PM