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We've hinted about it back in March. We reported about the rumors last month. Today the NHL made it official: the Kings and the Ducks will play a regular season game at Dodger Stadium on Jan. 25, 2014 as a part of the 2014 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series.
"With their meeting in the 2014 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series, the Ducks and the Kings will write the next chapter in the exciting story of NHL hockey in Southern California," Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a press release. "At a venue that represents so much glorious sports history, this match-up of Stanley Cup champions will raise our outdoor initiatives to bold new heights. We know the game will be a treat for our fans, and we thank the Ducks, the Kings, Coors Light, Dodger Stadium and the Los Angeles Dodgers for bringing it to life."
The Kings are no stranger to breaking barriers. They will become the first team to host an outdoor regular-season NHL game west of the Mississippi River, the southern-most and the first in California. But the Kings also hosted the first outdoor NHL game in the preseason on Sept. 27, 1991 in the parking lot at Caesars Palace against the New York Rangers in 90-degree weather. After spotting the Rangers a 2-0 lead early in the game, the Kings left Vegas with a 5-2 victory.
Sure it had its problems with guys with nitrogen tanks trying to fix the holes in the ice. There were the grasshoppers on the ice. But ice technology has advanced so much that the 2011 Winter Classic that was plagued with rain and warm temperatures in Pittsburgh was able to go off without a hitch.
Dodger Stadium has been host to many events from the Olympics, dirt bike racing, ski jumping, boxing, concerts and even the Pope. Just as they pulled off $100 million of renovations, they will play host to their first hockey game.
"Dodger Stadium has been home to many unique and special moments over the past 51 years," said Los Angeles Dodgers President Stan Kasten in the press release. "We'll add another first in 2014 when the Dodger Stadium infield turns to ice as we host our first National Hockey League game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks."
The NHL already announced the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins at Soldier Field on March 1, 2014 as a part of the Stadium Series. Other rumored games are:
These games are in addition to the traditional New Year's Day Winter Classic game which will be played at Michigan Stadium between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Fans who want updates on ticketing and other special offers surrounding the game should register at NHL.com/2014LosAngeles.
