Is 2013 Winter Classic in Danger?

As the NHL's Stanley Cup Finals gets underway tonight, something not a lot of fans are taking into consideration is the fact than the CBA expires in September and the league has let it be known that they want to modify if not entirely renegotiate the deal. Particularly, the league is looking to reduce the salary cap, which has grown repeatedly since the last agreement was reached. The threat of yet another work stoppage is not something the players union nor the league wants to consider at this point in time but there is a legitimate threat that this could occur. The players are not likely to quickly accept a cut in pay across the board and the league owners are just as unlikely to allow salaries to keep growing so there is certainly some negotiating to be done in order for the sides to reach an agreement. The league totally lost a full season (2004-2005) and it was not very long ago. Now here we are again looking at the chance that it could be a long time before another NHL game is played following this final series. In addition to training camp and opening night, one event that would be threatened would be the much anticipated 2013 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium. The thought of the NHL missing out on the biggest outdoor game ever over a labor disagreement is concerning to fans of not just the participating Red Wings and Maple Leafs but all fans across the league. Fans don't like when the business side of things prevents the entertainment side of the sports world from being showcased. The league and the players union needs to start working on an agreement this summer so we don't miss out on another exciting full season of hockey in 2012-2013.

2013 Winter Classic Tickets Popular Year Round

For some hockey fans in North America, 2013 Winter Classic tickets may be the last thing on their mind during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, however for others it is foremost on their minds. Particularly fans of the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs as these are the teams taking part in the next Winter Classic. As you surely know by now, the Winter Classic has become an annual tradition where the NHL pits two teams against each other in an outdoor game on (or around) New Year's Day. To be clear, this game COUNTS IN THE STANDINGS! It is not an exhibition, it is a regular season game and the points earned, or lost, will count in the standings to determine eventual playoff positioning at the end of the season. The 2012 Winter Classic between the NY Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers drew so much attention that the league realized they need to go bigger and better than ever. Well, in 2013 they plan to do just that. The Winter Classic will be played at Michigan Stadium, aka "The Big House", in Ann Arbor. Home to the Michigan University Wolverines, this gigantic outdoor venue is expected to welcome over 110,000 hockey fans on New Year's Day 2013. Also fueling the fire is the fact the NHL has FINALLY included a Canadian-based team in the Winter Classic. Toronto has a long history in the league and generations of fans who will gladly make the short trip over the border to cheer on the Maple Leafs. Fans hoping to join in the festive atmosphere at and around the game, and to be part of the largest crowd in hockey history, should order 2013 Winter Classic tickets early and reserve your spot for the big game.

Order 2013 Winter Classic Tickets at The Big House

As the NHL playoffs are on the verge of the Conference Finals, hockey is on the mind of all the hardcore fans out there as this is greatest time of year to be a fan of this awesome sport. Another great time of year to be a hockey fan is the winter and what better celebration of this passionate sport than the NHL Winter Classic? Growing a life of it's own with HBO's coverage to owning New Year's Day tv sports world, the NHL Winter Classic has quickly emerged as the premiere national sporting event for the NHL, eclipsing the NHL All Star Game. New Year's 2013 will see a new wrinkle to the Winter Classic as they are finally including a team from the Great White North -- The Toronto Maple Leafs will take on Original Six foe Detroit Red Wings in a game so big, it is going to draw the largest crowd in NHL History as they fill "The Big House". Michigan University at Michigan Stadium is expecting close to 115,000 fans. THAT IS NOT A TYPO! Order your NHL Winter Classic tickets and see this unbelievable outdoor matchup, it promises to be the best Winter Classic yet.