Winter Classic-bound

I wrote this months ago but wanted to wait for the official announcement. Now that announcement is being made Monday, when I get on a plane for Prague. So here it is a few days early ... my take on the Rangers playing the Flyers in this season's Winter Classic.

I love outdoor games and have been to four: Sabres vs. Pens in Buffalo, Hawks vs. Wings at Wrigley, BU vs. BC at Fenway and Whale vs. Bruins in Hartford (I never did a post on that, huh? Shot this there though). It has been an event that I've looked forward to each year but this time is different, there is just so many things wrong with it. Here are 10 of them:

*The venue is atrocious. Baseball stadiums are simply not good for hockey games. It was one thing to deal with the awful sight lines because you are in the two ancient and historical parks of Chicago and Boston, it is another to go to one of the new, generic stadiums. Anyone down by the field can't see the ice and in return, they get to feel the wonderful history and atmosphere of a seven-year of park as well known for this as for this.

*The building holds 46,528 with standing room - that's it. Ralph Wilson held 71,217, Heinz Field 68,111. That is over 20,000 fans who aren't able to enjoy what should be a celebration of hockey. When you have a draw as big as the New York Rangers, why would you want to leave all of those people out in the cold (har har)??

*Here is one reason: smaller capacity plus larger demand equals utterly outrageous ticket prices. All of you who are pumped right now, be prepared to pay at least $200, probably more. And that is from the league, just wait and see StubHub and eBay - last year prices were ridiculous.

*It rained last year in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia is on almost the same latitude (40 degrees north) so weather is a concern.

*Philadelphia's roads and traffic are ... less than pleasant. And that is on a daily basis, in good weather. While Philadelphia drivers are sober.

*Rangers vs. Flyers has been a pretty good rough and tumble rivalry. And now it will be on bad ice, in the middle of a spectacle. None of the outdoor games have been pretty good or rough and tumble from buzzer to buzzer.

*I heard that Penguin fans were insufferable last year. And now we will be talking about Flyer fans. Philadelphia Flyer fans.

*While many Ranger fans liked how the Heritage sweaters came out last season, a good portion were upset at the clear money grab of the whole thing. Well, another year, another money grab. You can be sure there will be a special jersey to buy for this special game at a special price.

*The game will be on January 2nd, not the 1st. After making the Classic a New Years staple, the NHL is cowering away from the NFL and having it on Monday. While many folks will have it off - as companies feel they owe their employees a holiday even when it lands on a weekend - not all will.

*24/7 is an unnecessary distraction for a hockey team, especially for one in a city already full of distractions. Camera crews stalking players and coaches for over a month. The coach sets the tone for the team and he doesn't want the show around, so just think of what the mood will be like. Several Rangers were found on Page 6 last season for extracurriculars and were vilified for their actions - now HBO can follow the Ranger kids to the clubs, that's a good recipe for sure. Oh, and it should be pointed out that neither the Pens nor the Caps made it to the conference finals last year.

Just sayin' ...

 Winter Classic-Bound: A Journey Through NHL's Outdoor Spectacle

The NHL Winter Classic stands as one of the most anticipated events on the hockey calendar. It's a celebration of the game's roots, played outdoors in iconic venues, and watched by millions of fans around the world. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the Winter Classic, exploring its history, the magic it brings to the sport, and the excitement surrounding this unique event.

Table of Contents

The Origins of the Winter Classic

The Birth of an Idea

The First Classic at Ralph Wilson Stadium

The Outdoor Tradition

Iconic Venues and Memorable Games

The Elements: Weather Challenges

The Impact on the NHL

Ratings and Attendance Boost

Reviving Interest in Outdoor Hockey

The 2023 Winter Classic: What to Expect

Minnesota's Iconic Target Field

The Matchup: Wild vs. Blues

The Fan Experience

Tailgating and Outdoor Festivities

Commemorative Souvenirs

FAQs: Common Questions About the Winter Classic

1. The Origins of the Winter Classic

The Birth of an Idea

The concept of playing an outdoor NHL game on New Year's Day came from NHL Executive Vice President John Collins, inspired by college football's iconic bowl games. The idea aimed to capture the essence of hockey's outdoor origins and create a nostalgic and visually striking spectacle.

The First Classic at Ralph Wilson Stadium

The inaugural Winter Classic took place on January 1, 2008, at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, New York, featuring the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The game was an instant success, drawing over 71,000 fans and capturing the hearts of hockey enthusiasts.

2. The Outdoor Tradition

Iconic Venues and Memorable Games

One of the Winter Classic's unique aspects is the selection of iconic venues. From Wrigley Field to Fenway Park and the Big House (Michigan Stadium), the league has chosen historic sites for these outdoor contests. These venues have hosted some of the most memorable games in the event's history.

The Elements: Weather Challenges

Playing outdoors presents weather challenges, as snow, rain, and extreme cold can affect the game. However, these challenges add to the authenticity and charm of the Winter Classic, reminding players and fans of the unpredictable nature of outdoor hockey.

3. The Impact on the NHL

Ratings and Attendance Boost

The Winter Classic consistently draws high television ratings and has become a staple of New Year's Day viewing. The event has also been a boon for ticket sales, with stadiums filled to capacity and fans braving the elements to witness history.

Reviving Interest in Outdoor Hockey

The Winter Classic has inspired a resurgence of interest in outdoor hockey at all levels. It has given rise to grassroots initiatives, encouraging people to play the game in the great outdoors, just as it was intended.

4. The 2023 Winter Classic: What to Expect

Minnesota's Iconic Target Field

The 2023 Winter Classic will take place at Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins. The venue is known for its picturesque views of the Minneapolis skyline and the surrounding area. It promises to provide a stunning backdrop for the game.

The Matchup: Wild vs. Blues

The Minnesota Wild will face the St. Louis Blues in the 2023 Winter Classic. Both teams are known for their passionate fan bases and strong rosters, ensuring an exciting and competitive matchup.

5. The Fan Experience

Tailgating and Outdoor Festivities

The Winter Classic is not just about the game itself but also the entire fan experience. Tailgating, outdoor festivities, and fan zones create a festive atmosphere that brings fans together to celebrate the sport they love.

Commemorative Souvenirs

Fans can purchase special Winter Classic merchandise, including jerseys, hats, and memorabilia, to commemorate the event. These items become cherished keepsakes for fans who attend the game.

6. FAQs: Common Questions About the Winter Classic

Q1: Why is the Winter Classic played outdoors?

A1: The Winter Classic is played outdoors to celebrate the game's origins and create a unique and nostalgic experience for fans.

Q2: How are venues chosen for the Winter Classic?

A2: Venues are chosen based on their historical significance and capacity to host a large crowd.

Q3: Are Winter Classic tickets more expensive than regular-season tickets?

A3: Winter Classic tickets are often more expensive due to the event's special nature and limited availability.

The NHL Winter Classic has become a beloved tradition that captures the essence of hockey's outdoor roots. It's a spectacle that combines nostalgia, history, and the thrill of the game, all under the open sky. As we look forward to the 2023 Winter Classic at Target Field, we can't help but marvel at how this event has enriched the sport of hockey and created lasting memories for fans, players, and communities alike.