Where Should NHL Outdoor Games Be Played Next?
When the NHL has some outdoor games going, there’s nothing like it. Both the Stadium Series and Winter Classic have provided some amazing memories for hockey fans over the past decade-plus. However, there needs to be some new blood.
In 2023, the Winter Classic returned to Fenway Park. Thankfully, in 2024, three games will be played at two new sites. On New Year’s Day, the Mariners’ T-Mobile Park will host its first hockey game between the Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights. Furthermore, Metlife Stadium will welcome four teams with Devils-Flyers and Islanders-Rangers matchups in February.
However, let’s take it one step further. Among many options to consider, here are three outdoor venues that make the most sense.
1: Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH:
This should totally be on Gary Bettman’s expansion list. With a seating capacity of 102,780, you will absolutely get a great environment at the home of Ohio State.
An Eastern Conference matchup between the hometown Blue Jackets and a nearby team like the Penguins or Red Wings makes almost too much sense. There is added intrigue when you consider 2023 No. 3 pick Adam Fantilli is an Ohio native (even though he played for Michigan and was born in Canada).
Giving a small-market team like the Jackets some exposure and awareness would be exactly what they need. Despite some poor results over the past few years, they have a young core who would like the make noise in the Metro sooner rather than later. Furthermore, not only would it excite fans, but also local players, which is seemingly why they almost chose it in November.
2: Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, MO:
Believe it or not, the Blues and Chiefs share a state. The defending Super Bowl champs are arguably the most talked-about team in football. They also are home to the best player in the game in Patrick Mahomes. So why not have a hockey game in a stadium that Taylor Swift has visited frequently in 2023?
You can fire up GM Mode for a lot of the recent NHL video games. If you click on expansion mode, then Kansas City is one of the first markets that EA suggests. While there may not be a current interest in hockey, having an outdoor game there is a great place to start. Furthermore, there is no shortage of potential matchups available.
Matching the Blues up against division rivals like the Blackhawks, Avalanche, Wild or Stars are all potential options. Fans would unquestionably pack that place and create an atmosphere somewhat similar to what we see in the NFL playoffs every year.
3: Rogers Centre – Toronto, ON:
To be honest, I am not sure how this has not happened yet. The home of the Toronto Blue Jays has a retractable dome and endless climate controls. You already know that Canadian winters don’t play around, so putting down a sheet of ice would be no problem. The ballpark is also undergoing extensive renovations so that it becomes a state-of-the-art fan experience.
Need I say anymore? Matching the Leafs up against any of the Canadiens, Senators, Red Wings or Bruins would be an instant classic. Yankee Stadium and Fenway have both been generous hosts to outdoor hockey in the past. Why not add another AL East stadium to the list?
Gary Bettman is finally starting to use some creativity. Hosting the 2024 Draft at the Las Vegas Sphere is a good move. If he can follow this up by adding outdoor games at some new locations like these, then maybe the NHL can really start some momentum.
