The NHL knew it struck gold when it debuted the Winter Classic in 2008. Struggling to regain momentum after the 2004-2005 lockout that essentially lobotomized the league and isolated its fan base, the league landed on a gimmick that was near universally adored. Playing hockey so close to its roots — on a large pond with snow on the ground and a winter chill in the air — enchanted spectators and reminded viewers at home of a simpler time during their childhoods when they grabbed a few sticks, a trash can for a goal and a group of friends to slap the puck around.
Realizing — and capitalizing on — the immense popularity of the Winter Classic, the NHL now holds numerous outdoor contests every year, which one could argue deprives the actual Classic of some of its luster. That being said, the concept is an immense money maker. As such, the league will put on six outdoor games this season, so it might be worth taking a look at NHL previews at Bet Today USA for predictions and odds, if you are planning to make the games more interesting by betting on them.
The most important, of course, is the Winter Classic, which, as is tradition, is played on New Years Day. This year, the Maple Leafs and Red Wings will face off at Michigan Stadium. Prices will be high, at $437 per ticket, which is 290 percent higher than the Wings’ home average at Joe Louis Arena this season. How does that compare to past Winter Classics? Two years ago (last year’s Winter Classic was cancelled because of the lockout), tickets to the Flyers vs Rangers were $504. Three years ago, Penguins/Capitals tickets were $489. This year, however, some seats can be had for $146 at Michigan Stadium.
Here’s the ticket breakdown for the five other outdoor games this season.
January
25th – Anaheim Ducks vs Los Angeles Kings at Dodger Stadium | Avg Price: $332 | Get-in Price: $146 | 194% above the Kings average at the Staples Center
26th – New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils at Yankee Stadium | Avg Price: $372 | Get-in Price: $165 | 68% above the Rangers average at Madison Square Garden
29th – New York Rangers vs New York Islanders at Yankee Stadium | Avg Price: $345 | Get-in Price: $134 | 55% above the Rangers average at Madison Square Garden
March
1st – Chicago Blackhawks vs Pittsburgh Penguins at Soldier Field | Avg Price: $474 | Get-in Price: $175 | 54% above the Blackhawks average at United Center
2nd – Vancouver Canucks vs Ottawa Senators at BC Place (Heritage Classic) | Avg Price: $358 | Get-in Price: $175 | 56% above the Canucks average at Rogers Arena
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