FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Isaac Reichman, ireichman@choosechicago.com, (312) 805-9586
Stephen Crano, scrano@choosechicago.com, (312) 567-8505
2025 DISCOVER NHL WINTER CLASSIC COMING TO CHICAGO
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CHICAGO, IL (February 7, 2024) – Choose Chicago and the Chicago Sports Commission, in partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL), are proud to announce that the 2025 Discover NHL Winter Classic will take place in Chicago. Featuring a matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues, the popular Winter Classic will return to Chicago’s Wrigley Field next year for the first time since 2009. The announcement was made live on TNT this evening by Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks phenom and the youngest player ever selected to the NHL All Star Game, during the first intermission of the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers game.
“We are thrilled to be returning to historic Wrigley Field for the 2025 Discover NHL Winter Classic,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “Chicago will be the focus of the hockey world as we head into the new year and we can’t wait to celebrate and enjoy the latest edition of the long and fierce rivalry between the Blackhawks and the Blues.”
The 2025 edition will mark the 16th NHL Winter Classic, which is one of the most anticipated and highest-viewed regular season hockey games each year. Built in 1914 and home of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field is one of the most famous and recognizable stadiums in the world and a perfect backdrop to welcome back the Winter Classic. Chicago and Wrigley Field last hosted the event in its second year, in 2009. The Blackhawks also hosted the Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, in 2019.
“The NHL Winter Classic’s return to Wrigley Field next year is incredibly exciting news for Chicago’s sports community,” said Chicago Sports Commission Executive Director Kara Bachman. “The matchup between the Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues will certainly make for an entertaining game, and I look forward to working closely with our partners at the NHL along with the Blackhawks and the Cubs to make this a memorable event.”
“I am thrilled to welcome the NHL back to Chicago for the 2025 Winter Classic,” said Choose Chicago Interim President and CEO Rich Gamble. “Marquee sporting events like this are key opportunities to showcase our city, and there’s no better place than Wrigley Field to deliver a historic and incomparable fan experience.”
The 2025 Discover NHL Winter Classic will be a celebration of the sport of hockey and an opportunity to showcase Chicago as an exciting destination for NHL fans. The return of the event continues Chicago’s long-standing tradition of welcoming marquee hockey and other sporting events to Chicago. In addition to the 2009 NHL Winter Classic, Chicago hosted the 2014 NHL Stadium Series at Soldier Field and the 2017 NHL draft at the United Center. Chicago was also the first city to host the NFL Draft outside of New York City, in 2015 and 2016, and hosted the NBA and WNBA All Star Games in 2020 and 2022 respectively. This year, Chicago will host the second NASCAR Chicago Street Race in July.
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About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city, its residents and our partner business community. Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X/Twitter and tag #ChicaGOandKNOW. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.
About the Chicago Sports Commission
With a vision of establishing Chicago as the #1 U.S. destination for sports tourism, the Chicago Sports Commission recruits and supports high-profile, major sporting events that drive significant economic impact and positive exposure for the city of Chicago. The Chicago Sports Commission launched in 2011 as a part of Choose Chicago. A registered 501(c)6, the Chicago Sports Commission is comprised of a dedicated full-time staff and supported by a Corporate Partner program, which makes up the Chicago Sports Commission’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
