An outdoor ice hockey game in Phoenix would be an engineering marvel I would have to see to believe. I can’t believe that’s feasible?
Blackhawks
The Kings played the Rangers outdoors in Vegas in 1991.
KBLEE
- Montgomery, IL
Maybe the NHL doesn't want its fans to get shot.
Here’s a thought: One year, play it at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. Blackhawks vs. Blues. Blackhawk Red and The Lou Blue amidst a good bit of Illini Orange.
And another year: Blackhawks vs. Predators or Blue Jackets. Sort of an in-between point.
Expand the NHL footprint!
And that might also just stimulate U of I hockey!
Has there been a recent shooting near the park that we're not aware of?
This has nothing to do with north side vs. south side. If you're going to do an outdoor game in Chicago, Wrigley or Soldier Field would be above Guaranteed Rate in the hierarchy of choices. The ridiculousness of the Bulls playing a game an outdoor game in the south side isn't even worth responding to as an NBA team will not give up a regular season game for a gimmick like that, especially with the time of year the NBA runs games.
The Winter Classic, Stadium Series, and Heritage Classic games would lose their uniqueness if you had every NHL team doing an outdoor game. Plus it wouldn't be feasible for most of the sun belt or west coast teams to do it aside from about a 4-6 week stretch in the winter. And there's not really good enough venues for many of the teams to play these outdoor games at.
They're not gonna do a "neutral" site game like that in Champaign. There's nowhere near enough interest in hockey, much less the NHL, in central Illinois to make a game like that even remotely feasible.
I would remind everyone that perhaps millions of guys and girls play outdoor basketball every year (and day). Just like hockey players learn to play the game outdoors on frozen ponds and rivers.
There is nothing ridiculous about playing an outdoor NBA game. It would be a unique event like the Winter Classic in hockey. And the same guy who owns the Bulls also owns the White Sox.
The place would sell-out in minutes if a game was held outdoors at Sox Park. And the fans would remember that as a special event.
A game at United Center is just another game that people will quickly forget. An outdoor game would be memorable.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
The NBA plays regular season games in Paris and Mexico City and the NHL's outdoor series has been wildly successful. I think its definitely worth responding to.
But the response, as you note, has to be that the inability to rely on the weather makes it a bad idea. Those college basketball aircraft carrier games are in legendarily pleasant and placid San Diego.
But there's going to be more and more of this gimmick stuff, I think the idea that the leagues will turn their nose up to it is dead wrong, they're searching for revenue growth and "special events" wherever they can.
Stein: Taking it outdoors
On a tennis court venue, the first outdoor NBA game in more than 35 years turned into a chilly affair between the Nuggets and Suns, Marc Stein writes.
The NBA season is October through April. There's precisely zero chance of a regular season outdoor game being scheduled in Chicago.
Stein: Taking it outdoors
On a tennis court venue, the first outdoor NBA game in more than 35 years turned into a chilly affair between the Nuggets and Suns, Marc Stein writes.www.espn.com
The NBA season is October through April. There's precisely zero chance of a regular season outdoor game being scheduled in Chicago.
Duly noted. That being said, I was at Guaranteed Rate last season for Cardinals/White Sox and stayed with my best friend who is from Calumet City originally and now lives in Lansing. At no point did I ever feel unsafe that entire weekend.
Tommy DeVito was just interviewed during the Rangers-Islanders NHL outdoor game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Thinking back to his time when he was still on the Illini... What would be Over/Under have been back then on, "Illini QB Tommy DeVito will be interviewed at an outdoor NHL game in East Rutherford, New Jersey". And that he was going to become a cult legend.
Thinking back to his time when he was still on the Illini... What would be Over/Under have been back then on, "Illini QB Tommy DeVito will be interviewed at an outdoor NHL game in East Rutherford, New Jersey". And that he was going to become a cult legend.
My son-in-law and 3 grandkids were at the game. I bet they are pumped. Got to hear the goal song a lot. (Chelsea Dagger)
My personal hockey experience is limited to the pond behind the house when I was a kid. Suitable chunk of frozen cow manure for a puck. Pond froze nearly every year when I was a kid and young adult. Rarely now, but I was able to skate this year for a few days.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
Even if they get "hot" (not likely) they are still only competing with San Jose for the worst record. They're not going to pass anyone else.Might be time to break up the Hawks. 3-1 in their last four with 17 goals scored. This is not a way to have the best chance to pick #1 overall again.
Bedard with 1 goal and 4 assists last night. While he is known for his shot, he's an excellent passer as well.
bdutts
- Houston, Texas
I know. I was kidding. Hence the smiley face.
Cow manure puck? This brings a whole new meaning to, 'Playing Like Shhhhiii...'.
And it wouldn't be much fun to be a goalie with that kind of thing going on.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
No I realize that. It's just interesting how far back those two teams are from the rest.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
Especially if it got above 32 degrees...
bdutts
- Houston, Texas
Gotcha! Yeah, it's really a two horse race to the bottom.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
I understand the tanking thing and it is necessary at times, but it's so much more enjoyable as a fan when the team wins. Very noticeable this past week with the Hawks.
bdutts
- Houston, Texas
I couldn’t agree more.