Photo Courtesy of David Solomon

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Before the Rams left town in January, the St. Louis Blues were in line to get an outdoor NHL stadium series game — but not the big one.

View in the background of where the rink will be for the #WinterClassic pic.twitter.com/fxAV9EgX6c

— David Solomon (@solomonsside) August 9, 2016

Team Chairman Tom Stillman credits the NHL for recognizing the city sorely needed a shot in the arm and scheduling the Blues against the Chicago Blackhawks for the Winter Classic on Jan. 2.

Commissioner Gary Bettman, executives from both teams and former players attended a news conference at home plate at Busch Stadium in the first public forum since the announcement.

#STLBlues chairman Tom Stillman with masks of Corey Crawford, Jake Allen & Yadier Molina in front #WinterClassic pic.twitter.com/htY7DKkaoJ

— David Solomon (@solomonsside) August 9, 2016