Few Tickets For NHL Winter Classic In Chicago Available To Public
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman yesterday said that ticket information and logistics for the league's Winter Classic at Wrigley Field on January 1 featuring Red Wings-Blackhawks "should come 'in the next couple of weeks,'" according to Chris Kuc of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Bettman, in Chicago for the NHL GM meetings that begin today, said, "There are a lot of parties involved. It's us, the Blackhawks (and) the Cubs. The Cubs have been a little preoccupied until recently." Bettman added, "We're not going to have the massive public sale like we did in Buffalo last year when we were playing in a 72,000-seat facility. Some tickets will be made available to the public, but if you want to be assured, you have to get season tickets." Bettman also said that he "had discussions with [Blackhawks] President John McDonough about Chicago as a possible future location for the NHL draft." Bettman: "We're not yet in a position to fix the date, but this would be a terrific place to come to with the draft" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 10/23). In Chicago, Len Ziehm notes there are currently around 14,000 Blackhawks season-ticket holders, and Wrigley Field is "expected to seat about 41,000 for the game." Bettman "isn't sure where the rink will be located but suspects it will be in the back part of the infield." Bettman said of the game, "I expect it to be terrific again, being in an iconic venue that has so much history and tradition. There may be sightline issues, but I'm expecting a great event" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 10/23).
LEADER OF THE PACK: In Minneapolis, Sid Hartman writes under the header, "Bettman Has Lifted Profile Of NHL Under His Tenure." Prior to Bettman becoming Commissioner in '93, the NHL "was a mess," and he had the "toughest job of the four commissioners, with the sport floundering when he took over." However, in the 15 years since, the league has "increased attendance, revenue and interest in the sport." Bettman said that league attendance so far this season "is running 4[%] above last year" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 10/23).
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