The National Hockey League announced today the 2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic will change the original 10 a.m. (PT) start time on New Year's Day to 5 p.m. (PT).
The decision was based on the latest meteorological reports, which have advised an approaching front of potentially steady rain expected to fall through the afternoon and taper off by early evening, and after consultation with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Washington Capitals, national broadcast partners (NBC, CBC, RDS), the Pittsburgh Steelers, the National Hockey League Players' Association, and local officials.
We have been further advised that cooler and drier air conditions are expected in the evening with the passing of the front.
The NHL feels that it was important to make this announcement at this time so as to minimize the inconvenience to all parties associated with the event, especially its fans.
All 2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic tickets will continue to be honored and all ticket holder agreement language remains unchanged.
Here's the new on-air schedule for Saturday Jan. 1, 2011 :
4-4 p.m. NBC BAY AREA NEWS
4-5 p.m. NBC NIGHTLY NEWS
5-8 p.m. NHL HOCKEY-WINTER CLASSIC
8-10 p.m. ROSE PARADE (repeat)
10-11 p.m. LAW & ORDER: LA
