The National Hockey League (NHL) has announced that the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, will be the first US service academy venue to stage an outdoor game, while the North American ice hockey league also confirmed the Tampa Bay Lightning as host for its 2018 All-Star Game.
The Washington Capitals will play the Toronto Maple Leafs in the outdoor game at the stadium on the campus of the U.S Naval Academy on March 3 next year.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said it will be the first in a number of similar games that will take place at US military academies over the coming seasons.
The Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (pictured) has a capacity of 34,000 and regularly hosts Navy American football games and the Military Bowl.
Meanwhile, the NHL has announced that the Amalie Arena, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning, will stage its 2018 All-Star Game from January 27-28.
Next year’s game will mark the second time that Tampa will host the mid-season event, after the Floridian city also staged the 1999 All-Star Game.
The Amalie Arena has recently undergone major renovation work, under the leadership of chairman and governor Jeff Vinik, who purchased the team in March 2010.
“We’ve worked hard over the past several years to transform Tampa Bay into a hockey market,” Vinik said.
“The honour of hosting the All-Star game validates that work, but it’s not the end of our efforts. We pledge to work alongside the NHL as well as leaders across Tampa Bay to deliver a world class experience for All-Star players, fans and partners.”
Image: Damon J. Moritz
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