The end of the year is here, which means it’s time to prepare for the 14th annual NHL Winter Classic on January 2, 2023. Not to be confused with the Stadium Series or Heritage Classic, the Winter Classic always takes place on or close to New Year’s Day in a nearby NHL team stadium. This year’s Winter Classic will bring the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins together for an iconic battle on the ice.
Dating back to 2008, the NHL Winter Classic is an annual outdoor ice hockey game that occurs during the regular season. The idea was born following the 2001 Cold War game at Michigan State University, which brought nearly 75,000 hockey fans together, and set the record for the largest crowd to attend a single ice-hockey match at that time.
In 2004, NBC Sports Executive VP Jon Miller pitched the idea for the annual Winter Classic to the NHL, but it was unfortunately rejected. It wasn’t until 2006, when then Executive VP/Business & Media John Collins expressed his support, that the NHL considered the pitch. Two short years later, the first NHL Winter Classic was born, bringing 71,217 fans together for an unforgettable night of ice hockey.
The 2023 event marks the third time we’ve seen the Pittsburgh Penguins compete at the NHL Winter Classic. The Penguins played in the first-ever Winter Classic back in 2008, winning 2-1 against the Buffalo Sabres. In 2011, the Penguins joined the Winter Classic again but lost to the Washington Capitals. The Penguins will need to win this game to keep their stats up.
As for the Boston Bruins, this will be their fourth time in the NHL Winter Classic. The team’s current standing is 2 wins and 1-loss. Will they take the win, increase their stats to 3-1 or level the playing field at 2-2?
The 2023 NHL Winter Classic will return to Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, making Fenway Park the first stadium to ever hold two NHL Winter Classic games. The event will take place on Monday, January 2, 2023, at 2 pm ET; however, if you’re looking for the whole Winter Classic experience, you should consider clearing your New Year’s Eve schedule and spending the weekend at the NHL Winter Classic Plaza.
The NHL Winter Classic Plaza is a free hockey festival that takes place on Friday, December 30, 2022, from 2:00 pm ET to 8:00 pm ET and Saturday, December 31, 2022, from 10:00 am ET to 6:00 pm ET. This will be a family-friendly event where fans can play interactive games, check out special guest appearances and have the opportunity to take pictures with the Stanley Cup®.
After an epic weekend of hockey festivities at the Plaza, get pumped up for the game by heading over to Fenway Park early for the TNT Winter Classic Pre-Game. The Pre-Game event will begin at 10:00 am ET on January 2, 2023, in the Brookline Lot, just two hours before the Fenway Park gates open.
If you’re looking for NHL Winter Classic Tickets, it’s not too late. Seat Geek is by far the best place to browse for and purchase tickets. NHL Winter Classic ticket prices currently start at $334.00, with an average price of $500.00.
The Fenway stadium offers some unique seats with incredible views at a slightly more expensive rate. The Field Box seats are just 20 rows from the ice and are considered great seats for the NHL Winter Classic. The Field Box tickets are currently averaging $700.00. Bumping things up a notch, the Loge Box seats average at $2,000.00, but you’ll have a view free from obstructions.
Now that you have your ticket info, simply head over to Seat Geek and select the NHL Winter Classic event. On the left-hand side of the page, you will be shown ticket prices ranging from cheapest to most expensive.
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To make your ticket experience as smooth as possible, Seat Geek has an impressive list of filters at the top of the screen that allows you to sort by quantity, price range, best seats and lowest prices. You will also be allowed to select “include fees” to see how much the ticket will cost out the door.
When picking seats, remember that the $1.5 million rink will be located between the first and third base at Fenway Park. If you’re unsure where to sit, you can use the interactive seat map on Seat Geek to ensure your seat is in ideal proximity to the ice rink.
When it comes to game-time drama, we won’t know what the 2023 Winter Classic will bring until the teams hit the ice, but based on previous years, there’s sure to be some excitement.
In 2021 Corey Perry of the Dallas Stars hit Nashville Predator’s Ryan Ellis across the head with his elbow just 38 seconds into the first play, subsequently getting benched for the rest of the game. And let’s not forget the 2011 Winter Classic when the Pittsburgh Penguins were up against the Washington Capitals, and Sidney Crosby was blindsided by a headshot that left him benched for the next 20 games of the season.
It seems violence and hockey go hand in hand, and we’d be lying if we said we weren’t curious to see what happens next!
With heated action taking place on the ice, we know it’s easy to get riled up during a hockey game, so be sure and freshen up on the NHL Code of Conduct before the Winter Classic. In short, the Code of Conduct states that fans are responsible for their own conduct and are entitled to experience an event free of disruptive or inconsiderate behaviors or unruly actions.
Fans should refrain from using abusive language or gestures, fighting, throwing objects, etc. You will be expected to comply with requests from event staff, report any inappropriate behavior to event staff and understand that violation of this code may result in eviction from the venue without a refund.
To ensure the safest environment for fans, Fenway Park will uphold alcohol policies. Alcohol will not be sold to fans who appear intoxicated. There will be a limit of two alcoholic beverages per transaction. Contributing to a minor will result in eviction and the guest will be subject to arrest. If you plan to drink, be sure and have your ID on you at all times.
Bags at Fenway Park must be 4” x 6” x 1.5” or smaller, which is about the size of a clutch or small purse. The only exception will be for diaper bags or essential medical equipment. All bags are subject to being searched and must not contain prohibited items. If you’re unsure of any items, check the NHL site before attending the Winter Classic event.
Now that you’re well versed on the NHL Winter Classic, it’s time to grab your friends, put on some winter gear, place some bets and ring in the new year with the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins!