Ram

It should be at Comerica because the major reason for having it at the Big House is for NHL profitability and recognition over the home team's city. Whereas the Winter Classic is a major stage for both the two teams and the NHL, in my opinion, holding the event at the Big House majorly downplays the Red Wings and the city of the Detroit and instead bolsters Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan, and the NHLL. While I would like the fact that my chances of attending would be much greater at the Big House with the 100,000 extra seats, and the fact that viewing the actual game is much better in a football field over a baseball field, think about it - Detroit, the city where the team resides, goes majorly overlooked. The other venue that the owner of the team has control over - goes entirely unused. If you look at past Winter Classics, every single venue used has a connection with the city and the team. EG, Buffalo Sabres play where the Buffalo Bills play. U of M doesn't directly have a connection with the Red Wings in the fact that they do not also house a major professional team of the area. While I think it would be great to have it at the Big House, I agree it should be at Comerica and it would be a departure from the NHL's current Winter Classic formula to have it at the Big House. Why should the city of Ann Arbor, where the majority of the population is college students, several from around the country, be rewarded with the Winter Classic instead of Detroit? I understand that Ann Arbor is really not that far away from Detroit, but to me, this is like holding the Super Bowl at the Big House over Ford Field because it is a grander stage. It just doesn't make sense to me.

Nicely done. Especially Jim. I'm okay with Lidstrom not being in the All Star game. While he is in Norris contention (Isn't he always?), he isn't necessarily having a "standout" year, and voters aren't really going to vote for him otherwise unless for simple reputation or by watching every single Wings game.

Lets go Wings!!!!

Agree with those who think this is just terrible for the league in general. No news is good news for the NHL as far as I'm concerned and when this is the only thing that will be mentioned hockey wise on a national sports perspective, it looks terrible and may just solidify the league as still behind others when they had the opportunity to become better. Disagree with those who are solely blaming Bettman. I hate that man just as much as you, but please tell me that others did not have their hand in this. Bettman is to blame but now the PA dropped the ball too. I forget the guy's name, but isn't the NHLPA president the former one who f'ed the MLB real hard a few years ago? This just blows.