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Leagues and Governing Bodies

Gate Revenue Key To NHL Teams' Outdoor Games Exploration

A number of clubs responded affirmatively to interest in hosting an outdoor game, including the PenguinsGETTY IMAGES

NHL teams have "expressed interest in hosting an outdoor game or two" in '21 in order to "generate some gate revenue that otherwise wouldn’t be available to them," according to Pierre LeBrun of THE ATHLETIC. The topic was "discussed on the Board of Governors call on Nov. 12," and afterward, the league "sent out a query to all 31 clubs inquiring what the level of interest was." Clubs who responded affirmatively include the Bruins, Hurricanes, Stars, Kings, Predators, Penguins and Panthers. The Sabres, Wild, Lightning, Capitals, Flyers, Devils, Rangers and Islanders are "among the U.S.-based teams who answered no to the league, for various reasons." None of the Canadian NHL teams "look like options right now." The league "wasn’t sure yet" on the concept of multiple outdoor games in multiple markets, as there are "pros and cons and mixed feelings about it." NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman does fear that having so many outdoor games "would dilute a strong product and brand in the annual Winter Classic" (THEATHLETIC.com, 12/3). SPORTSNET.ca's Elliotte Friedman wrote the idea is a "long shot" because there are "significant hurdles, starting with cost." Even the "most no-frills outdoor event would run into the millions." The "other major issue would be approval from players and opponents" (SPORTSNET.ca, 12/3).

HOCKEY IN THE PAHK? In Boston, Dupont & Silverman report the Bruins are considering the possibility of staging outdoor games at Fenway Park, though conversations with the Red Sox and city and state officials have "only been exploratory." Bruins President Cam Neely emphasized that both the state and the city "would have to approve such a move, which he said the Bruins have been discussing with the Red Sox for 2-3 weeks." Neely said that the Bruins and Red Sox have "pondered a number of business models, with varying numbers of fans permitted to attend." Dupont & Silverman report the "aim would be to play not just one but a number of games there" (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/4). Boston Mayor Martin Walsh’s office confirmed the Bruins have "reached out to the City regarding exploring venues for their season." The office added that the Boston Public Health Commission is "ready to assist the team." Also in Boston, Steve Conroy writes, "However unlikely it may seem, it’s certainly an intriguing idea" (BOSTON HERALD, 12/4).

OTHER MARKETS: In L.A., Jack Harris writes the "feasibility of any outdoor plans," especially in L.A., "appear unlikely." No NFL, MLB or major college football teams in the area have "yet been allowed to welcome even reduced capacity crowds to their venues." Also, both the county and city of L.A. have "recently implemented new regulations banning most public gatherings" (L.A. TIMES, 12/4). Stars President & CEO Brad Alberts on Thursday confirmed the team’s interest but said that the "details of such a scenario have not been explored: how many outdoor games the team would host and where it would host them" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/4). ESPN.com's Greg Wyshynski noted although the Winter Classic in Minnesota was postponed, the Hurricanes "still are scheduled to play a Stadium Series game at NC State's football stadium in the 2020-21 season" (ESPN.com, 12/3).

TESTING IS IMPERATIVE: LeBrun said the outdoor games would be "all about" gate revenue, but the NHL "has not officially responded. I think right now they see the pros and the cons to it." Meanwhile, TSN's Frank Seravalli noted the key to "having these games being played safely will be testing." Seravalli: "And the big difference between next season and finishing off last year in the hubs, is that teams are responsible for securing their own testing for players and staff members. Let's just say there's been a lot of shopping going on for NHL teams when it comes to testing because it's both expensive and they're trying to find the most efficient way to get their test results" ("Insider Trading," TSN, 12/3).

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