Arizona Coyotes Could Host Winter Classic
Might the Arizona Coyotes host a Stadium Series game or Winter Classic in the future?
The Arizona Coyotes play the coldest sport in one of the hottest places.
Since the inception of the Winter Classic series, where NHL teams face off in an outdoor venue, fans have wondered if the Coyotes could pull off such a task in the blistering heat of the desert?
If the game date and time were carefully selected it would be completely feasible for the Coyotes to host a game at an outdoor venue.
With the right amount of planning and preparation we may have a shot at hosting one of the NHL’s best regular season events.
Here is a look at four possible Arizona venues that could host one of the NHL’s newest traditions.
Next: The Obvious Choice
The Obvious Choice: University of Phoenix Stadium
The home of the Arizona Cardinals and neighbors to the Arizona Coyotes would be the obvious choice to host the game in the open air.
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It may not be the most logical, however.
The venue is spectacular and the Cardinals have had no problem selling it out since they moved in, however the Coyotes would face a tall task of filling the seats at University of Phoenix Stadium as the capacity is just over 63,000. Tthe current home of the Coyotes at Gila River Arena is around 17,000.
The temperature in Glendale on January 7th last year was a high of 54 degrees. So the weather could sustain the open roof, however this stadium is possibly too big for the Coyotes current fan base.
Next: The Realistic Choice
The Most Realistic Choice: Chase Field
Chase Field may be the most realistic option to host an outdoor game in the desert.
The seating capacity is smaller than the University of Phoenix Stadium and it is in a prime location downtown.
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Hockey is no stranger to downtown Phoenix as that is where the Arizona Coyotes once called home when they shared an arena with the Suns.
Chase Field could have new ownership in the future and this would be a great way drum up excitement about a facility that has been in downtown since 1998.
Next: The Unique Choice
The Unique Choice: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Salt River Fields is by far my favorite option although unlikely.
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Having a small intimate atmosphere would be like a pop star playing an acoustic show at the local coffee house.
However, this would be a drawback in the eyes of the NHL as the seating capacity is almost 6,000 less than Gila River Arena.
The lawn area that is filled with sun tanners in the spring could be converted into the ultimate VIP viewing area.
As intriguing as this option would be, money talks and I doubt the second home of the D-backs will generate enough cash to be a viable option.
Next: The Fan Friendly Choice
The Fan Friendly Choice: Sun Devil Stadium
Arizona State University would provide the best atmosphere and crowd noise.
With the recent transition of ASU hockey to Division I, this location provides a stable base of hockey fans and brings a college like atmosphere to the game.
This partnership may make the most sense especially considering there were rumors of a joint stadium between the Arizona Coyotes and the Sun Devils.
The stadium is much larger than Gila River Arena and a team like the Islanders may not provide a big enough draw to sell out. The advantage it has over University of Phoenix is the college atmosphere that will come with hosting the game here.
Next: Can It Be Done?
It Can Be Done
These are four realistic options for the state of Arizona to host an outdoor game like the Winter Classic.
With the right timing, a good venue, and weather not being as big of a factor as one would think, it could be done.
This would definitely take more planning than hosting the game in Michigan or Chicago, but it is a possibility.
What fan wouldn’t love to watch a game outside in Arizona? They would need half the wardrobe of an east coast team.
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No more sitting in below zero temperatures to enjoy hockey.
These four locations would be the most logical spots for the Arizona Coyotes to have a outdoor game. I would love to see the NHL bring the Winter Classic to the Valley of the Sun, and I think fans would agree.