I have no delusions that the Winter Classic is made for American teams.
Ratings are huge for Winter Classic games and having two American teams play each other only helps that cause, especially if the two teams have some bad blood between them.
I have although, pondered when the Toronto Maple Leafs would get into one. I know for a fact that it had to be with an American team and not a Canadian one. Although a Leafs vs Habs game at Olympic Stadium could be a nice idea. Moving on.
Never the less today on XX1090AM in San Diego, there was talk of the Leafs playing the Red Wings in 2013 in The Big House.
Michigan Stadium, nicknamed “The Big House,” is the football stadium for the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan Stadium was built in 1927 at a cost of $950,000 and had an original capacity of 72,000. Before playing football at the stadium, the Wolverines played on Ferry Field. Michigan Stadium is the largest stadium in the United States with an official capacity of 109,901. The football game attendance often exceeds 111,000 when band members, stadium staff, and others are added. On September 10, 2011, 114,804 attended a game at Michigan Stadium between Michigan and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the largest crowd to see a college football game since 1948 and an NCAA single-game record.
What is more fitting for Leafs Nation, the biggest in the NHL, to enjoy its first Winter Classic game. And versus the Detroit Red Wings no less!
No this is not 100% by any means. But an intriguing idea no doubt.
I for one am excited to hear it. Once I told my friends about this potential game the words “road trip” automatically came up.
So what do you think sports fans? Is it finally time for the Leafs to get into a Winter Classic? and are the red Wings a fitting adversary or would you like to see another team?
I’m psyched either way. I have been waiting for this a long time.