Nationals Park to host Winter Classic

Sep 10, 2014 - 6:49 PM New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - The 2015 NHL Winter Classic featuring the Washington Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks will be played in the nation's capital at Nationals Park.

The home of Major League Baseball's Washington Nationals will host the annual New Year's Day game. RFK Stadium, former home of the NFL's Washington Redskins, was also said to be under consideration.

"Nationals Park provides an ideal setting for all the excitement, entertainment and fun as the Blackhawks and Capitals bring our outdoor tradition to historic Washington, D.C.," said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement Wednesday.

Located in the southeast portion of Washington, south of the Capitol and adjacent to the Navy Yard, Nationals Park is a 41,546-seat venue that opened in March 2008. It has views of the city, including landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument.

"We are delighted the D.C. area and our great fan base will have an opportunity to experience the NHL Winter Classic, and we know that Nationals Park will provide an incredible backdrop for the game," said Capitals majority owner Ted Leonsis.

This season's Winter Classic will be played in a baseball stadium for the fourth time, joining Wrigley Field in Chicago, Fenway Park in Boston and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.