There is a "very real possibility" the Flyers could host the '12 NHL Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park, according to a league source cited by Frank Seravalli of the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS. No specific opponent "has been discussed for the Flyers if they are the host, though the Rangers -- who have never participated in the game -- appear to be the most likely candidate." The NHL "apparently prefers the coziness and layout of a ballpark as opposed to a football stadium," and Lincoln Financial Field is unavailable on Jan. 1 because the Eagles are scheduled to host the Redskins. There is "very little chance the NHL will stick with New Year's Day for the 2012 Winter Classic." While the four-year-old event "has always been held on the first of the year, 2012 would be the first year that falls on a Sunday -- and no TV entity has much interest in taking on the NFL, a ratings behemoth." One idea that "has been kicked around in league headquarters is to move the annual outdoor game to New Year's Eve and having it played in prime time." The NHL also "has discussed something different -- four regional outdoor games, all played on the same day, not only to try to capitalize on the popularity of the event, but also to get other worthy opponents involved in the game, which has been played only between cold-weather teams." Seravalli notes NBC "has significant interest in working with the NHL to find a manageable time for the marquee event that it has helped turned into a tradition." Negotiations between "interested parties are expected to heat up in the coming weeks" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 4/21).
