Mar 10, 2008
Apparently, that hamster that is running on the NHL marketing wheel is putting in serious overtime. Word today from the New York Daily Times is that the Rangers and an unnamed opponent (Detroit Red Wings???) may be playing in the next Winter Classic, in what would be the last game in the old (current) Yankee Stadium. From the (via ),
Momentum has built in recent weeks toward finalizing a deal that would have the Rangers play the final game in the storied history of the current Stadium, the Daily News has learned. The Yankees, who will move into their new Yankee Stadium for the 2009 baseball season, are said to be completely on board with having the NHL close the 85-year-old original.
Pretty big move here by the NHL, if they can pull it off. The Daily News article says that both sides still have some hurdles to cross before the game can occur. Now, if the NHL can actually string some of these positive marketing ploys together, instead of having them few and far between, then maybe hockey can regain its status as a “major sport” in America.
Oh, as for the opponent of the Rangers? has an update involving Chris Chelios mentioning that the Red Wings may be involved in the game. Two good moves in a row NHL…The Red Wings have a nationwide fan base (or as much as any hockey team can have a nationwide fan base), and unlike most NHL teams, they’re actually profitable, which speaks to their high attendance rates.
The only psuedo-problem? I can already see baseball purists talking about closing one of the most historic stadiums in baseball history…with a hockey game. “Babe Ruth is turning in his grave!”, they’ll say. Obviously, the NHL/Yankees/City of New York won’t please everyone with this deal, but in the long run, it sounds like a great idea for the NHL, a nation of existing hockey fans, and future hockey fans.
New York Daily News:
Sports Business Digest: The NHL Shoots, scores with Winter Classic
4 comments
The report came from the “NY Daily News”, not the “Daily Times” as you have here.
And New York City owns the land and the Stadium, so depending on when the Yankee lease ends, it could be up to the City as to what event closes out “The House that Ruth Built”
Thanks for the link.
Fixed, thanks.
Honestly, I don’t think it matters what event closes out the stadium. Baseball purists will be mad if its anything other than a Yankees game. So, you can have the Jets, Giants, or Rangers play there…I think you’ll still have a situation where people are upset.
Bettman has been continuing to be coy about the excitement over this outdoor experience, which in my opinion is the only intelligent thing the man has ruled over in his tenture. That being said, what a disaster it would be for the NHL to have one of these at Yankee Stadium of all places. Haven’t we seen enough of Yankee Stadium? It belongs in a football stadium for capacity purposes, but it certainly in no way shape or form belongs in New York City. I think there are enough events there, thank you. Let’s give someone other than the Big Apple the next shot at this…in fact, I am for a day/night doubleheader to take on the meaningless bowl games opposite them on New Year’s Day. Have two outdoor games on that date.
This would be my dream come true to see an outdoor winter classic at Yankee stadium. The only thing that would make it better for me is if the Rangers played (and lost to) the NJ Devils. It would be huge for NY/NJ area, but probably not the best for a national broadcast.
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