Rangers will host Sabres at Citi Field in 2018 Winter Classic, per reports

It’s hard to believe the NHL Winter Classic hasn’t been hosted in New York yet, but reports indicate that will soon be rectified.

Arthur Staple of Newsday reported on Wednesday that a plan to hold the 2018 Winter Classic at Citi Field is nearly finalized. The New York Rangers would serve as hosts and the Buffalo Sabres would travel south as the visiting team.

It will be the second Winter Classic for both teams. The Sabres hosted the inaugural Classic at New Era Field (then known as Ralph Wilson Stadium) against the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2008. The Rangers played the Philadelphia Flyers at Citizens Bank Park in Philly back in 2012.

The Rangers did, however, play in two other outdoor games. They hosted the Devils and Islanders in two separate Stadium Series games at Yankee Stadium in 2014.

There’s no word on whether the Chicago Blackhawks will serve as on-ice officials or intermission entertainment for the 2018 Winter Classic.

St. Louis hosted the 2017 event at Busch Stadium. That was announced in early March of 2016, so it makes sense that a 2018 announcement is around the corner.