Taking It Outside… But Where?
By Grant Beery • Mar 6th, 2008 • Category: Daily Deke, HockeyCommissioner Gary Bettman has some team owners drooling with the possibility of an outdoor game in their city. If this year’s Winter Classic in Buffalo is any indication, any team that hosts the event next season will have nothing but good coming their way.
Blackhawks president John McDonough eyes are a little wider now that Bettman has commented that a Windy City venue “makes a lot of sense.” While Chicago is far from a lock for the nod next year, the Commisioner’s comments certainly do look favorably upon Chicago. And it does make a lot of sense. Imagine a team like the Blackhawks, who are finally starting to make strides as far as talent, get some noteriety in the way of an outdoor game. Hell, you could even watch it on local TV now that “Dollar” Bill Wirtz has had his cold, unforgiving grip pryed from the team. Plus, a Wrigley Field venue is at the top of the list of places being considered for the game in Chicago, thanks to McDonough’s close ties to the Cubs organization. The history of the park makes it a perfect novelty for the next Winter Classic.
But what about the other teams being considered? Let’s look at why they will and won’t host the game…
New York
Why they will - Close the the Canadian border, and a booming metropolitan area equals huge attendance numbers.
Why they won’t - Buffalo just had a game this year. Let’s spread it out, guys.
Boston
Why they will -Boston is a hell of a sports town with teams like the Red Sox, the Patriots, and the Celtics.
Why they won’t - The Bruins are the worst team in town. It would be an uphill battle trying to sell this event among the many other more successful options.
Detroit
Why they will - This is Hockeytown. One of the most successful teams in the league calls Detroit home, and the Red Wings would certainly make this game exciting.
Why they won’t - With the severe downturn the Detroit economy is feeling, could the team even fill the seats?
Colorado
Why they will - Colorado is hockey mad. The Avalanche, DU, the Eagles, the Rage… this is a market that knows and loves hockey. Plus it would be nice to see a winning team play at Invesco Field for once…
Why they won’t - Of all the names on this list, Colorado has the most unpredictable winters. 70 degrees one day, and -2 the next. The league probably doesn’t want to deal with that headache.
Montreal
Why they will - Another hockey rabid town. Plus, this is the oldest team still operating, founded in 1909.
Why they won’t - Right now, they league is much more worried about popularizing the game in the US, which really drops any Canadian team to the bottom of the list.
Toronto
Why they will - Toronto is easily one of the most popular and valuable teams in the league and always have been. Even with being one of the worst teams in Canada, a ticket to a Leafs game is one of the toughest to get.
Why they won’t - This team really doesn’t need any more money.
Pittsburgh
Why they will - Sydney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-Andre Fleury, need any other reason?
Why they won’t - Being participants of the previous event won’t help you get the nod for the next one.
Philadelphia
Why they will - Philly is a historic city and will serve as a great backdrop for the game. The Flyers themselves are a menacing presence on the ice and are sure to provide some gritty, entertaining hockey.
Why they won’t - Philly may get snubbed due to the fact that the Pens played last time, or because they haven’t really been in the good graces of the league right now in the way of penalties and suspensions.
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Who’s your favorite on this list? Is your city unfairly omitted? Sound off in the comments!
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Grant Beery is a Denver native who lives and breathes NHL hockey, especially the Colorado Avalanche. You can follow him on Twitter.
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I’d imagine that Chicago is the best bet — the largest market with a viable and definitely marketable venue.
I’d wonder about Columbus, though. Wouldn’t a game at the Horseshoe be a decent draw?
Excellent points. I would be interested in having it in Dallas but that wouldn’t work most of the time. Maybe Minnesota or Edmonton? Or maybe even a neutral site like Wisconsin at Lambeau?
Chris, the one worry about Columbus is the Ohio State fans might not like sharing their bowl
Paul, a neutral location would seemingly defeat the purpose of the outdoor game, unless the NHL is trying to move into that market.
True, but I think the TV audience would be huge. And a hockey area would sell out a site like that in a NY minute. The Big House is better than that shoe down there anyway. GO BLUE!
If it weren’t for the crazy ass weather in Colorado they would definitely get my first vote. I would like to see a Western Conference team play an Eastern Conference team in the next Winter Classic. Colorado at Chicago anyone?
Keep driving east, Fred.
my apologies. I forgot Chicago wasn’t eastern conf. Public flogging may ensue.