Jan. 1: Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium, Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs.
Jan. 25: Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Kings vs. Ducks.
Jan. 26: Yankee Stadium in New York, Rangers vs. Devils.
Jan. 29: Yankee Stadium in New York, Rangers vs. Islanders.
Mar. 1: Soldier Field in Chicago, Penguins vs. Blackhawks.
Mar. 2: BC Place in Vancouver, Senators vs. Canucks.
While this is exciting for many, especially those who might miss the chance to be at the Winter Classic itself, does it make sense for the NHL?
Short term, it would appear yes. People will flock to the cities these games are being held at, boosting the economy. The NHL will make money from extra merchandise sales.
Plus, take note of the two dates at Yankee Stadium. Those appear to be strategically placed to lead up to the Super Bowl, which will be held on February 2nd at MetLife Stadium. Sports fans will all be staying in the area in and around NYC. What better time than to have the Rangers play two outdoor games at one of the most popular baseball team's stadiums? It's like a triple-threat, hockey, football, with a little bit of baseball.
Even the game at Dodger Stadium will make money, even though that bandwagon will have rolled away unless the Kings win another Cup.
But the long term effects could be unpleasant for the novelty of the outdoor game.
What makes the Winter Classic so special? It's the feeling of being at what is a SPECIAL game. It's outdoors. It has throwback jerseys. It features a rivalry. It's held at stadiums where thousands and thousands of fans come to experience this supposedly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
But fans will become bored if these outdoor games start becoming common. It won't be as special. Fans won't feel the pressure to go because "there's always next time."
Alas, the NHL is a business, and if these outdoor games will bring them in the revenue they want, they will have them. Because the people will come. That's what we learned after the lockout, eh?
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