"Since '67, these fans have been with us through thick and thin and this city deserves this," Hull said. "I'm sure there are other teams that think they're our archrivals, but I'm not sure anybody is a bigger archrival of the St. Louis Blues than the Chicago Blackhawks."

The Blues have long considered Busch Stadium an ideal setting for the league's most prestigious outdoor game. The Cardinals have been more than willing to host the event, and the bond that the city's two professional sports teams share hasn't gone unnoticed.

"It's something we've been looking to try to do for a long time," DeWitt said. "The Blues have wanted it, we've wanted it. I think Busch Stadium will be a great venue for it, and just a great showcase of the Blues and the great Midwest hockey tradition here. But also the partnership that we have as friendly franchises."

"It was important for us to do everything we could to get them focused on bringing a game to Busch Stadium," Zimmerman said. "Obviously we're thrilled that we're getting the chance to have the premier game. I'm biased but I'd like to think that we deserve it. What a great setting! One of Major League Baseball's certainly iconic parks framed by the Arch. Every time I look at our layouts and design of dropping the rink in there and look out to centerfield, it's like this is going to be pretty magical."