NHL Stadium Series: An Outdoor Rink Classic Celebrating the Spirit of Hockey
Before the first indoor hockey game in 1875, the beginning concepts of ice hockey occurred outdoors in frozen lakes or smaller frozen bodies of water.
Now, hockey games are held in indoor facilities.
At the peak of the sport, NHL teams host games on sophisticated indoor rinks that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
But that does not mean hockey cannot revisit its outdoor roots in a creative way.
Enter the NHL Stadium Series.
The NHL Stadium Series is more than just a series of outdoor hockey games.
It's an event that brings fans together in a special way.
Part elite hockey, part outdoor setting, the NHL Stadium series seeks to create memorable moments for everyone involved.
As the name implies, the Stadium Series takes advantage of some of the biggest arenas in the country to bring the same vibe as football, baseball, soccer, and other stadium sports.
Since its inception, this event has attracted hoards of fans every year, as it showcases teams in stunning locations.
The atmosphere is electric.
And players often express excitement about being part of such a remarkable occasion.
Hockey can sometimes feel like the unwanted stepchild of American sports.
But events like this outdoor risk classic are changing the perception of the sport while celebrating the spirit of ice hockey.
Where it All Started
The NHL Stadium Series began as a way to bring the excitement of hockey outdoors.
This event highlights memorable games played in unique venues.
Each game in the series offers fans a mix of hockey and outdoor festivities.
The NHL Stadium Series started in 2014.
It was a response to the success of the Winter Classic and The Heritage Classic which dropped some 20-plus years ago.
The league wanted to expand the outdoor hockey experience.
The Stadium Series started with four games at three venues.
The first game featured the Anaheim Ducks against the Los Angeles Kings at Dodger Stadium, attracting over 50,000 fans.
It was the first hockey game held in a baseball stadium.
Since then, it’s taken off.
The NHL has incorporated different spaces and arenas, rekindling the spirit of hockey, which is, at its core, an outdoor activity.
Notable Games and Highlights
In the ten-plus years the Stadium Series has been running, we’ve had some amazing milestones:
-
The San Jose Sharks and the LA Kings attracted a record 70,205 fans in Levi Stadium in 2015. But the record attendance occurred between the New York Rangers and New York Islanders with 79,690 people at MetLife Stadium.
-
Alex Ovechkin became the sixth player in NHL history to score 40 or more goals in at least nine NHL seasons. The 40th goal came in the Stadium Series held at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in 2018.
-
Ironically, the Marine Corps stadium has the lowest recorded attendance at just under 30,000 as it is a small arena housing a maximum of 34,000.
Over the last decade, the NHL has chosen more diverse locations for games.
This expansion has allowed teams from different regions to participate.
The league has introduced themed jerseys and special events around these games.
Engaging fan experiences, like tailgates and concerts, make this a major event to look forward to.
For instance, the iconic band KISS opened the inaugural event.
Since then, the series has attracted performers like Jake Owen, 21 Pilots, and The Joans Brothers.
The entire day leading up to game time is filled with interactive activities, games, puck-shooting challenges, and other forms of entertainment.
It makes the stadium series an immersive experience for diehard fans and newcomers alike.
Because of this, the series now attracts a wider audience, including casuals, which is the goal of the NHL.
To date, the Stadium Series continues to be a coveted event in the NHL calendar.
Not only do hockey players and fans benefit from a unique experience, but local businesses as well.
The tens of thousands of fans mean hotels, restaurants, bars, and local attractions get a much-needed boost.
The increased exposure means everyone wins.
The Stadium Series will go from strength to strength.
It won’t be farfetched to see it move outside the country, similar to the NFL’s attempt to make the sport a global brand with games in the UK, Germany, Brazil, and Mexico.
The Logistics of Outdoor Games
Hosting an NHL game in an uncovered arena is easier said than done.
NHL rinks are some of the largest in the world and need complex rink construction and ongoing maintenance, along with the challenges that weather can present.
NHL rinks do not use synthetic ice, which is arguably the best material for outdoor games.
Weather can greatly affect the quality of outdoor games.
Rain, snow, and high temperatures can create unsafe playing conditions, which can be endured with synthetic ice.
Instead, they use conventional refrigerated rinks to give that natural ice feel.
Stadium rinks take several days to set up.
The foundation, pipes, coolant, and other materials, along with water is set up at night when it’s cooler and the weather is easier to navigate.
There will be mobile refrigeration units to ensure the ice remains frozen for the game. Over 20,000 liters of water can be used to complete a stadium rink.
Skilled engineers and rink personnel are required to constantly keep the rink functioning, making this a million-dollar undertaking.
The team must also account for changes in weather conditions on the day of the game.
Once the rink is done, the logistics of stadium games, such as security, parking, and crowd control, apply.
How the Stadium Series Celebrates the Spirit of Hockey
Hockey has always been an outdoor sport.
Neighborhood teams would come together on frozen ponds to play.
During the winter, parks and other open areas would be turned into rinks using water and good ol’ physics.
As technology grew in the 1900s and with the rise of refrigeration, rinks went from outside to inside.
Of course, there are many advantages to indoor hockey.
It has birthed the best players we’ve ever seen and created a billion-dollar sport.
At the same time, hockey suddenly felt unattainable for those who could not afford access to these rinks.
The Stadium Series rekindled the joy of outdoor ice hockey, reminding us of its origins.
It may open the eyes of many seeking to play the sport, knowing they can learn, train, and compete in outdoor spaces.
It also reveals the possibility of setting up outdoor rinks be it with water over the wintertime or buying your own synthetic ice for customizable rinks at home.
The Stadium Series also celebrates the past overall spirit of the game.
At each event, past players and legends show their support.
And each hockey club finds ways to appreciate them and the fans in the days leading up to the game.
With the Stadium Series, community engagement is essential to its success.
In the days leading up to the game, the atmosphere feels almost festival-like, with community groups and businesses engaging with the NHL.
There is also an integration of traditions both from a hockey and local tradition standpoint.
That crossover can make the Stadium Series a truly unique experience for people visiting the city for the first time.
The Stadium Series is more than a game.
It merges our traditions, remembers our heroes, and creates a great atmosphere while reminding us of all of the beauty of outdoor ice hockey.
Long-term Effects on NHL
The NHL Stadium Series has also influenced the league's branding strategy.
Hosting outdoor games attracts significant attention from sponsors and media, leading to higher revenues for teams and the league.
It also encourages the NHL to explore new markets. In the near future, warmer states or different countries will get to experience the NHL in a stadium space.
This series is helping to grow the sport beyond its core demographic.
Teams also benefit from increased fan engagement as outdoor games lead to a spike in merchandise sales and ticket sales.
Having 70,000-plus people come to watch a hockey game can lead to a revenue boost.
The excitement generated by these events can energize your favorite franchise for years to come.
As the statistics show benefits, the NHL will continue to invest in outdoor games like the Winter Classic and the NHL Stadium Series.
Conclusion
The Stadium Series is one of the more anticipated events of the NHL season.
Playing real games before sold-out arenas can be transformative for a community, team, and the NHL.
Best of all, the series, along with others like the Winter Classic, has revived the true spirit of hockey, which still is an outdoor event.
Set your calendar for the next one and enjoy a few days of arguably the best ice hockey game you'll experience.
Related Posts
Hockey Training Guide: Home Drills to be the Best Team Player
How To Buy Used Hockey Skates: Best Used Brands To Consider
