"What better way to celebrate 100 years of NHL hockey than playing in the shadow of the Gateway Arch," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said during Tuesday's press event. "At the same time we will be able to spotlight the incredible growth of hockey in St. Louis. There will be plenty of history to commemorate and lots of excitement to anticipate."

On Tuesday, the NHL held a press event to formally announce the 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic. The game will be televised on NBC at noon on Jan. 2 and will launch the NHL's Centennial Celebration, a season in which the Blues will also be celebrating their 50th anniversary.

ST. LOUIS - When the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks face-off at Busch Stadium, it's guaranteed to be an instant classic.

"I really do feel like a little kid today," said Blues President and CEO Chris Zimmerman. "We're able to bring our sport and the Blues to a place that means so much to the city and is so iconic to Major League Baseball. To be here today, to know that this is really happening, it's coming together - to see the (Winter Classic) logo up on the board, all those things are really quite exceptional.

"What a way for the League to kick off part of its Centennial Celebration, and what a great thing to happen during our 50th anniversary," Zimmerman added. "We couldn't really ask for anything better."

Video: NHL holds Winter Classic press event at Busch Stadium

The Blues' first-ever outdoor game will feature a matchup against their biggest rival. The teams met 12 times last season, including an epic seven-game first-round playoff matchup that started the Blues' march to their first Western Conference Final in 15 years.

"If we were the host for the Winter Classic, it would only make sense to play the Chicago Blackhawks," Blues Chairman Tom Stillman said. "When these teams meet it's always an intense battle and we certainly saw that last spring. We would be thrilled to host the Winter Classic in any year, but it's really special to host it in our 50th anniversary season. Thank you, Blues fans. This would not be happening without your support over the years."

Guests for Tuesday's press event also included St. Louis City Mayor Francis Slay, St. Louis Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III, St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger, Blues defenseman Colton Parayko and former Blue Bob Plager.

"To see the layout (of the ice) and the new logo and things like that, it just adds to the excitement factor for sure," Parayko said. "Obviously the city of St. Louis is excited, and getting to play in a state-of-the-art facility like this against a great hockey team as well, it's going to be pretty exciting. I'm really looking forward to it."

In addition to the Winter Classic, the Blues also announced plans for a week-long celebration leading up to the game. Events include an alumni game on Dec. 31 featuring legends Brett Hull, Al MacInnis, Bernie Federko and Chris Pronger, a Kid Rock concert at Scottrade Center, a FanFest at Ballpark Village and several initiatives to grow youth hockey, including street hockey and learn-to-play initiatives.

Tickets for the 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic are currently only available to Blues season ticket holders. To purchase a season ticket package and guarantee access to Winter Classic tickets, fans are encouraged to call 314-622-BLUE (2583).

"Landing the Winter Classic in St. Louis is a testament to the ownership group," Slay said. "We are very proud to welcome the NHL Winter Classic to the city of St. Louis."