Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. announced the opening of a temporary 5,000 sq. ft. store located in Pittsburgh's Strip District exclusively to sell official 2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic merchandise.

The Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, an annual outdoor game, is scheduled to take place between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals on Jan. 1, 2011 at Heinz Field.

“As the Official Retailer of the 2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, a truly great event that happens to be taking place in our hometown, we simply couldn't pass up the opportunity to partner with the NHL and Reebok on establishing a true retail destination within the city that provides fans of both the Penguins and Capitals the best selection of officially licensed NHL merchandise anywhere in town,” said William Colombo, vice chairman. “We think the store will be a great addition and only add to the fans' anticipation of what will surely be another great event in the city of Pittsburgh.”

“We are honored to be aligned with the nation's leader in sporting goods retail at this momentous event for both the city of Pittsburgh and the National Hockey League,” said Brian Jennings, NHL executive vice president of marketing. “This Winter Classic store will be a hub for Penguins and Capitals fans alike as they plan their holiday gift giving, and gear up for the game on New Year's Day.”

The temporary location will be open through Dec. 31 at which point Dick's will relocate the retail operations to an 800 square foot mobile store location at the NHL Spectator Plaza on W General Robinson St. next to Heinz Field.