We already noted the strong TV ratings for the 2014 Winter Classic, but here’s some more information, in chart form (via NBC Sports PR).
First, the household ratings:
Now, the average viewership:
Finally, the top 10 markets:
“It’s a thrill every year when the viewership for this event continues to validate the vision both NBC Sports and the NHL had when we created it,” said Jon Miller, President, Programming, NBC Sports, and one of the co-creators of the event. “We could not be more complimentary of the NHL’s first-class efforts in hosting the game, and we could not be more proud of our production team, which presented an unparalleled broadcast that captured the spirit of the event.”
Fair to say it’s going to be tough to beat the 2014 ratings next year in DC when the Capitals host the Classic at Nationals Park (probably). But there would be absolutely no shame in getting topped by what happened Wednesday in Ann Arbor. The venue. The setting. As NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said, it “was everything we hoped for — the biggest and best New Year’s Day party in our history.”