Predicting Capitals Future Winter Classic Locations for 2026 & Beyond
Let's have more fun.
Next year the Winter Classic returns to Wrigley Field where the Chicago Blackhawks will host the St. Louis Blues. So we now know that the New Years Day spectacle CAN return to old citiies. Let's bring it back to Washington so here's 3 Washington Capitals ideas and concepts.
#3 National Mall
IF the NHL were to secure a landmark permit have a mini stadium built and have first responders and military occupy the VIP spots along the Lincoln Memorial for the concerts. Remember these marquee events are NHL events not team events. Of course this is an out of this world idea so we're starting out strong with this one.
Imagine one last Ovi vs. Sid Winter Classic in Ovi's backyard which is literally those monuments on the National Mall. The White House is right there. Ovi lifted the Stanley Cup on this mall. It brought the community together as it was the first major parade since the Joe Gibbs 1.0 erea.
This would be a spectacle and it'll help grow the game as youth hockey has skyrocketed across the DMV due to the Ovi effect. More participation means future NHLers. You gotta thank this area for that if you're from here and beyond.
#2 Oriole Park at Camden Yards
As a personal rule to myself I will not use NFL stadiums. One because the Ravens while seat most we still don't know if more like the Ravens or Commanders. But everyone loves Camden Yards. DC has hosted hockey in the preseason in the past with the Baltimore Hockey Classic. Let's take a Baltimore game outdoors with Eutaw Street and the Warehouse as a backdrop already.
We've got Capitals fans in Maryland and we've seen success in that state with the Capital Centre and the 2018 Stadium Series at the Naval Academy. Let's give Caps fans out there a short drive. The drive to Maryland isn't terrible just don't text, drink and drive! And always follow road signs and the speed limit if you're coming from Washington or Virginia. And Maryalnd too.
There's also hotels in Maryland if you want to book one. You can tailgate like an NFL game with the Ravens lot and hang out at a place like Pickles or other spots across the street. Most of all the fanfare would be fun and there's more to do at the inner harbor including an acquarium to boo Penguins.
#1 Nationals Park
The most logical if we're going to have this soon is at Nationals Park. Not FedEx Field nor M&T Bank Stadium. It was a success in 2015. My dad and I were there. The atmosphere was top notch. Now there's more restaurants and things to eat and do around Navy Yard.
While Audi Field is perfect for D.C. United and Defenders games supply and demand would be a nightmare for an NHL ticket office. Nationals Park makes the most logicial sense for one more outdoor game in the Ovi Era.
This was a thrilliing game that saw Eric Fehr score. Alex Ovechkin would join the party with his first ever outdoor game goal. This was the biggest crowd ever for a DC hockey game unless the NHL works their magic with the National Mall. The jerseys were arguably the best for an outdoor game in my opinion.
Troy Brouwer would score the game winning goal with about 12 seconds left. It came after Ovechkin broke his stick but Ovi didn't care when Brouwer had the goal as it set them and the 42K plus fans into a frenzy.
Those are my 3 concepts for future Capitals Winter Classics.
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