Report: Nationals Park will host 2015 Winter Classic

The Winter Classic is returning to a ballpark for 2015 as the Washington Capitals will host the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationals Park, according to a report citing people close to the situation.

The Washington Post reports that a deal to use the venue has been struck between the NHL and the Washington Nationals. An official announcement is expected "very soon," ending months of speculation that included other venues like FedEx Field and soccer-specific RFK Stadium.

The NHL even briefly considered hosting the game on the National Mall, but did not pursue that idea beyond making an informal inquiry to the National Parks Service.

Even though it was built and is still owned by the District of Columbia, the usage rights for Nationals Park belong to the Nationals, meaning the league had to come to an agreement with the team and owner Ted Lerner. FedEx Field was ruled out due to an NFL game scheduled for December 28.

The contest between the Capitals and the Blackhawks will be the seventh Winter Classic and fourth played in a ballpark. The other three have taken place at football stadiums.