The Dallas Stars will reportedly host the 2020 Winter Classic according to Sportsnet’s John Shannon. Dallas would likely host the game at the historic Cotton Bowl. Regina, Saskatchewan will also reportedly be announced as the host of the Canadian-based Heritage Classic. The league will have more information on each game tomorrow.
Tomorrow, NHL will announce 2020 Winter Classic will be in Dallas. Not sure yet who the Stars’ opponent will be.
— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) December 31, 2018
Dallas to Host 2020 Winter Classic
The Stars haven’t hosted or played in an outdoor game in their history. Dallas flirted with host a pre-season game on Sept. 23, 2011 with the then-Phoenix Coyotes at Reliant Stadium (now NRG Stadium) in Houston. The cost of putting ice into the stadium canceled the game.
No opponent for the Stars has been announced, but teams like the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche would be good fits. However, there’s always a chance the NHL will put big-ticket names like the Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins or New York Rangers in the game.
Tuesday’s announcement should bring about more details on both games.
What This Means for the Future
It’s a chance to do an outdoor game in a non-traditional market and furthest south for the game. Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Casino hosted an outdoor game between the Rangers and Los Angeles Kings on Sept. 27, 1991. The Kings hosted the Anaheim Ducks in Dodger Stadium as part of the Stadium Series on Jan. 25. 2014.
The news is also a chance to deflect some of the controversy surrounding team CEO Jim Lites and his comments about top players Tyler Sequin and Jamie Been. Dallas does possess two of the more exciting players in the league in Seguin and Benn. The duo has a chance to be on a national stage.
TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 01: Dallas Stars teammates celebrate against the Toronto Maple Leafs after the regular season NHL game between the Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs on November 1, 2018 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
