This Wednesday, the NHL will officially announce the Winter Classic game participants from Fenway Park, the host for Bruins-Flyers on January 1. This got me thinking what the NHL could do to make this event better… it’s great already, but could use a couple tweaks.
Add a ‘legends game’
I’ve seen this suggested around the internet before, and I agree that it would be a nice addition. The NHL should add a ‘legends game’ before the big event. In example, classic players from older Flyers and Bruins teams could play a short game in the late morning. A lot of traditional hockey fans would likely enjoy this addition. The Oilers & Canadiens did something similar before the Heritage Classic in November of 2003. Wouldn’t it be awesome if legends like Bobby Clarke, Bobby Orr, and Cam Neely were involved in a fun exhibition this New Year’s??
Add seats on the field
I’m sure the in-person experience of the Winter Classic is unbelievable… the scenes from Buffalo & Chicago have been amazing these last 2 years. How do you make it better for the fans?? At Fenway, the NHL should install removable bleachers in front of the ‘Green Monster’ to bring fans closer to the game. There were obstructed views in the lower decks at Ralph Wilson Stadium and Wrigley Field, and there certainly will be some at Fenway this winter. The league should offer a lottery drawing for fans to buy tickets in these bleachers in front of the Monster. These seats wouldn’t be in the way of any sightlines of fans on top of the wall, or anywhere else in the stadium. This addition to the Winter Classic would be a big hit for the fans lucky enough to experience it.
Avoid a double-header
A few weeks ago, there were rampant rumors about the NHL adding a 2nd outdoor game to the New Year’s Day slate. The rumblings were that the Leafs & Flames would face-off in Calgary after the game at Fenway. The league should not follow through with this, IMO. The Winter Classic should stick to just the one game, and not bring attention away from the Bruins-Flyers game. But… the NHL should add a ‘Heritage Classic’ for just Canadian teams on another day in the season… maybe Thanksgiving night?? In 2003, Edmonton hosted the first regular season outdoor game in league history. Hockey fans all over Canada would love this, and would give them their own annual outdoor game to look forward to.
Add a ‘legends game’
I’ve seen this suggested around the internet before, and I agree that it would be a nice addition. The NHL should add a ‘legends game’ before the big event. In example, classic players from older Flyers and Bruins teams could play a short game in the late morning. A lot of traditional hockey fans would likely enjoy this addition. The Oilers & Canadiens did something similar before the Heritage Classic in November of 2003. Wouldn’t it be awesome if legends like Bobby Clarke, Bobby Orr, and Cam Neely were involved in a fun exhibition this New Year’s??
Add seats on the field
I’m sure the in-person experience of the Winter Classic is unbelievable… the scenes from Buffalo & Chicago have been amazing these last 2 years. How do you make it better for the fans?? At Fenway, the NHL should install removable bleachers in front of the ‘Green Monster’ to bring fans closer to the game. There were obstructed views in the lower decks at Ralph Wilson Stadium and Wrigley Field, and there certainly will be some at Fenway this winter. The league should offer a lottery drawing for fans to buy tickets in these bleachers in front of the Monster. These seats wouldn’t be in the way of any sightlines of fans on top of the wall, or anywhere else in the stadium. This addition to the Winter Classic would be a big hit for the fans lucky enough to experience it.
Avoid a double-header
A few weeks ago, there were rampant rumors about the NHL adding a 2nd outdoor game to the New Year’s Day slate. The rumblings were that the Leafs & Flames would face-off in Calgary after the game at Fenway. The league should not follow through with this, IMO. The Winter Classic should stick to just the one game, and not bring attention away from the Bruins-Flyers game. But… the NHL should add a ‘Heritage Classic’ for just Canadian teams on another day in the season… maybe Thanksgiving night?? In 2003, Edmonton hosted the first regular season outdoor game in league history. Hockey fans all over Canada would love this, and would give them their own annual outdoor game to look forward to.
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