There are some logistical issues to an outdoor game for the Hurricanes, but none appear insurmountableGETTY IMAGES
The NHL’s events team last month "made a site visit to evaluate" the viability of N.C. State's Carter-Finley Stadium to host an outdoor hockey game hosted by the Hurricanes, according to Luke DeCock of the Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER. Hurricanes Owner Tom Dundon called the league's visit "progress" on one of his stated goals when he took over the team. However, he added that whatever ends up happening "won’t have the fanfare or league branding as an official Winter Classic game, but rather something the Hurricanes essentially do on their own with league approval." Dundon: "Traditionally, the Winter Classic is more for a national audience. We’re not ready for that. We haven’t earned it." DeCock notes while there remain some "logistical issues to work out with N.C. State, none appear insurmountable," and a date in '20 seems "feasible at this point." Dundon: "The NHL is excited and we’re excited and then we’re not dealing with national perception. Because we’re not doing it for them. We’re doing it for us and our fans" (NEWSOBSERVER.com, 10/3).
