New York, NY

The Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins will collide in an outdoor game at Soldier Field on March 1, 2014 as part of the 2014 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series, the NHL announced Wednesday.

"Our fans and our teams love outdoor games and we are thrilled the 2014 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series will present a number of these experiences to a large number of our fans in a variety of National Hockey League markets," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said.

"The Chicago game will be a match-up of two recent Stanley Cup champions at a landmark stadium. We thank the Blackhawks and Penguins, Coors Light, Soldier Field and everyone involved in what will be a memorable, exciting and fun event," Bettman added.

Bettman is also expected to announce other outdoor matches in the coming weeks.

The Blackhawks are not new to outdoor games as they previously participated in the Winter Classic when they played the Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field before 40,818 fans in 2009.

"The Chicago Blackhawks are privileged to be included in the National Hockey League's Stadium Series," Blackhawks president & CEO John McDonough said. "Hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins at iconic Soldier Field promises to be a unique experience for our organization and our fans."

The Penguins, for their part, have played in two previous outdoor games. They faced the Buffalo Sabres at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York in the first Winter Classic in 2008.

Pittsburgh also played the Washington Capitals at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh in 2011. The 2011 NHL Winter Classic was the most-watched NHL regular-season game ever in the U.S. with an average of 4.5 million viewers.

"The Penguins are excited to be selected for the NHL Stadium Series in Chicago, and it will be a special honor for our players to be able to skate at Soldier Field," Penguins president and CEO David Morehouse said in a statement.

 

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NHL Pits Blackhawks vs Penguins at Soldier Field in 2014