It's official: D.C. leaders want Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals to host an outdoor NHL game in the District.
On Tuesday, Ward 4 Councilwoman Muriel Bowser introduced a resolution saying the District wants the NHL to choose D.C. and the Caps to play in the 2011 NHL Winter Classic on New Year's Day -- either at RFK Stadium or Nationals Park. Word of the resolution was first published by local blog JDLand.
Despite having one of the most marketable players in the world, the Caps have been snubbed from competing in the Winter Classic the past three years. The first year the event was held in Buffalo and showcased Sidney Crosby's Penguins. Then the event moved to Wrigley Field for a Detroit-Chicago game. This year the game was held at Fenway Park, a clash between the Bruins and Flyers.
The resolution, which JDLand said was supported by all 13 council members, states that the District "is the best city to host the Winter Classic, because it is our nation's capital, a world renowned city, a historic city, and a city with a strong hockey fan base."
The fact that the Ovie-led Caps are leading the Eastern Conference doesn't hurt right now, either.
The resolution states that Nats Park could hold 41,888 for a hockey game and RFK could hold 46,000.
But what about the weather? D.C. hasn't been known for its bone-chilling winters -- something needed to keep ice in top shape for an outdoor game. But this winter's blizzards give Council something to crow about.
Sports
"This winter shows that the District of Columbia has a winter climate that compares with any other city in the Northeast."
