NHL Winter Classic coming to Notre Dame Stadium in 2019

NOTRE DAME, Ind- The 2019 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic is coming to Notre Dame Stadium.

Today the NHL and the University of Notre Dame announced the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins will face off at Notre Dame Stadium on January 1, 2019.

“The Blackhawks and Bruins, two of our most historic franchises, will be meeting outdoors for the first time at the 2019 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “Notre Dame Stadium, with its capacity approaching 80,000, will provide an ideal setting for this ground-breaking event and will host the largest live audience ever to witness a game by either of these teams.”

The event will bring several alumni back to their college stomping grounds.

Blackhawks General Manager Stan Bowman graduated from Notre Dame in 1995.

And current Blackhawks player Vinnie Hinostroza called Notre Dame his team before going pro.

In between playing and coaching for Notre Dame Hockey, Dave Poulin made a name for himself as a Bruins standout.

And current Bruins rookie Anders Bjork went to the Frozen Four with Notre Dame just last season.

The New Year’s Day game will be the Blackhawk’s fourth Winter Classic. It will be the third appearance for the Bruins.

Notre Dame Stadium will be the second college football stadium to host a winter classic. Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor hosted the game in 2014.

More events will be scheduled around the game. Those plans will be announced over the next few months.