2013 Winter Classic: NHL Must Consider Colorado for Next Year's Big Game

The locations for the 2013 Winter Classic are being tossed around at a fast and furious rate, and I’m here to throw Denver, Colorado into the mix.

Whether it be at Sports Authority Field at Mile High where the Denver Broncos play or 10 minutes away at Coors Field where the Colorado Rockies play, this is the perfect locale for next year’s big game.

The hockey tradition in Colorado is rich.

Since the Avalanche relocated from Quebec in 1995, the franchise has won two Stanley Cups and has a die-hard fan base that regularly sells out the Pepsi Center.

The love for the sport extends to the collegiate level with the ultra-popular Denver University hockey team just down the interstate. Filling up the stadium wouldn’t be an issue.

On top of that, the weather wouldn’t be a concern. The Winter Classic on the east coast is causing games to be delayed to ensure “optimal playing conditions" because of the crappy weather at this time of year.

The weather got up to 50 degrees Monday in Denver, and the sun was shining bright. With 300 sunny days a year, no city enjoys more sunshine.

But it’s still the Rocky Mountains, and the possibility of a snow storm is always prevalent.  

Behind the backdrop of the mountains and a breath-taking city skyline, the images for an outdoor game from this location would be amazing.

The east-coast bias of the game is getting ridiculous. It’s been played in Buffalo, Boston, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

There are hockey fans in other parts of the country NHL, don’t ignore them!

Matching up the Avs against a rival like the Detroit Red Wings would be great. Or what about the New Jersey Devils? They used to be named the Colorado Rockies before relocating across the country.

The Avs are a young and exciting team that has a bright future ahead of them. The storylines surrounding the team would be plentiful for HBO. The city can support the event. I don’t see anything holding the NHL back from making this happen.

Let’s do this Gary Bettman!