"Outdoor hockey is at the essence of our game and the way many of our players grew up playing," said Francis. "We are thrilled to have the chance to showcase the Winter Classic in Seattle."
The first Winter Classic was played Jan. 1, 2008, in Buffalo between the hometown Sabres and Pittsburgh. Future Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby scored the shootout winner for the Penguins amid falling snowflakes and more than 70,000 fans filling the NFL Bills' home stadium. The traditions and spectacle of the Winter Classic only strengthened the next two Jan. 1 dates with Chicago's Wrigley Field as the 2009 venue and Fenway Park (Monday is the first repeat location) in 2010. For newer fans, the Winter Classic counts in the regular-season standings and is considered a home game for the hosting team.
The throwback game has been contested every season since, except when the 2020 game in Minneapolis was canceled due to a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, then subsequently played at that city's Target Field last Jan. 1. The 2024 Classic will mark the 16th anniversary of the inaugural outdoor game in Buffalo. The NHL event makes a point of showcasing the host city's best features, how the sport unites the region and, in Seattle's case, an always fun weave of hockey and baseball.
"We are honored the NHL has selected the Kraken, in just our second season, to host this amazing event at the home of our friends, the Mariners," said Tod Leiweke, Kraken CEO. "More
than 40,000 fans will witness the beauty and grace of our wonderful game in a venue that showcases the Puget Sound surrounded by the Cascade and Olympic Mountains."
Seattle fans will get the distinct pleasure of attending a wintertime event at the beloved ballpark. For more information about tickets, visit
nhl.com/kraken/winterclassic
to sign up for alerts. Details about ticket sales will be released by the league in the spring, however, Kraken season ticket members will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets via a presale.
Along with the game, the league stages an annual free, two-day fan festival for each Winter Classic. The fan fest is intended to allow all comers to enjoy the celebration of hockey and the roots of playing outdoors, family-friendly hockey interactives, giveaways, food, and a special appearance by the oldest and most revered trophy in sports - the Stanley Cup.
"It's a tremendous honor to host the next NHL Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park," said Catie Griggs, Seattle Mariners president of business operations. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support our hometown team when they take the ice and see our ballpark packed to the rafters with our city's incredible fans cheering them on."
