CITIZENS BANK PARK — It wasn’t the conclusion Ed Snider wanted, but even a heartbreaking Flyers loss to the rival New York Rangers on Monday couldn’t damper the chairman’s feelings about the Philadelphia-hosted Winter Classic.
“It was an incredible weekend for the city, for the fans,” said Snider, from the Phillies’ clubhouse in the bowels of Citizens Bank Park. “And I think everyone had a great time until the end. We would have liked to have won the game, but I’m proud at how the team played, we had opportunities to win it and I think we played very well. It’s a long season and I’m not disappointed.”
Pulling in 46,967 fans for the primary event would have been viewed as a rousing success for the Flyers and NHL, who co-hosted the event. But with 45,808 fans also entering the building for Saturday’s Flyers—Rangers alumni game, Snider believes the Philadelphia fans sent the fifth annual Winter Classic weekend to new heights.
“It came off better than I could have imagined,” said Snider. “The alumni game was a sell out and it set a new standard for the league. We are really proud of of our fans.
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