The Heritage Classic was a spectacle as is every single Heritage Classic, Stadium Series, Winter Classic, etc. And I then saw a great tweet from Chris Gawlik, a writer for Locked On VGK and collectibles content manager for The Hockey News, mentioning the possibility of playing on Fremont Street. Why couldn’t the NHL play outside a traditional arena. We’ve seen sports like the UFC takeover the White House south lawn. I have taken it upon myself to rank the top 5 spots for a specialty hockey game. It is worth noting I’m not sure how logistics would work such as would an ice rink fit on Fremont Street between the casinos.
5. Mystery, Alaska
While there is not a stadium, Alaska for an outdoor game would be one of the most fun environments for a neutral site game. Mystery is not a real city but a game in Anchorage outdoors would be one of the most appealing watches. The New York Rangers would likely play the Ottawa Senators for this matchup as the movie was based on a story revolving around Ottawa and then featured the Rangers in the 1999 film. As far as I know the NHL outside of the Mighty Ducks jerseys have not really leaned into hockey films like this. Russell Crowe would have to be in attendance to drop the puck before the game and then the NHL could both grow the game more in Alaska as well as have their own version of the MLB’s Field of Dreams game. Maybe this starts a tradition every couple of years of teams playing a game in Alaska.
4. Lambeau Field
I am still one to say it is a shame that the great state of Wisconsin does not have a NHL franchise. Coming off the Brewers winning the World Series last night, Wisconsin continues to show that it is one of the greatest sports markets this county has to offer despite what the financials will show you. Lambeau can be a one off game and maybe you play the NHL on a Saturday and two college hockey games on Sunday featuring the men’s and women’s Wisconsin Badgers teams. The college teams are already playing outdoor games at Lambeau so we know it’s able to hold the games as well. A neutral site game featuring teams like the Montreal Canadians (mostly because of Cole Caufield) and a team like the Wild, Blackhawks, or Stars would make for must see TV. I’m still always going to push for expansion to make their way to Wisconsin as they are 8th all time in US States to produce most NHL players.
3. The Nations Capital
No not Washington, DC. The UFC had the White House, Canada should have the NHL play right outside the capital building. The UFC mostly was an American vs foreign opponent. The Ottawa Senators should play whoever Brady plays for at the time of this event because make this a highly anticipated matchup that everyone in both the US and Canada that cares about hockey needs to set time aside to watch this nationally broadcasted matchup. This is the chance for Canada to show off the nation.
2. Fremont Street, Las Vegas
This logistically would be the toughest trying to tuck this game between casinos. The matchup would be easy as Circa Sports has the jersey patch for the Chicago Blackhawks. The Chicago Blackhawks walking out of Circa Casino, the Vegas Golden Knights walking out of Golden Gate Casino and then ticket entry coming from Plaza, Golden Gate, and Binions would be electric. The Circa Sportsbook would be a zoo on top of stadium swim. Vegas getting all the fans to increase tourism and have a mid day game followed by some of the greatest dinners after jumping on the Deuce to head back to their hotel casinos on the Strip would be one of the biggest wins the NHL has. The after parties, dinners, the spectacle would be the most anticipated outdoor matchups we as fans could hope for.
1.Time Square New York
The world revolves around New York and it’s unfortunate but a game inside of Time Square would be another day in the (central) park. Time Square has hosted sporting events in the past and has the power of MSG’s management in their corner. Picture the middle of February, the weekend after a Super Bowl when tourism is slower than usual and now you can have a bunch of hockey fans crowding the streets of New York, getting their coffees, and the buzz in the air of a crispy day in Manhattan. The easy answer would be Rangers vs Islanders but instead, I think Rangers vs which ever team at that time that has the most American stars. Ironically right now that would likely be the New Jersey Devils which would make for an electric environment.
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