Record-Breaking AHL Game Proves a Few More Outdoor Games Could Be a Fan Winner

The 2012 NHL Winter Classic has come and gone, but a record breaking AHL game on the same ice at Citizens Bank Park proves that more outside games could be a real hit.

On Friday, the Adirondack Phantoms and Hershey Bears attracted a crowd of 45,653 to the Winter Classic arena, only a little less than the 46,967 fans that showed up on Monday for the Winter Classic. The game attracted the largest crowd ever seen in the AHL’s 76-year history according to the NHL.

Outdoor games bring excitement to the whole league as fans relive the true roots of playing hockey on the "original" ice. Sure, there are some complications of having the game outside, especially when Mother Nature doesn’t corporate, but just the thought of outdoor games gets a hockey fan’s blood rushing.

One of the main arguments of not having more outdoor games is that it will kill the novelty of the few outdoor games there are every year. But, if handled in moderation, more outdoor games can only enhance the league if the attendance of the outdoor games this season is any indication.  

The big issue would be finding the fine line that takes games from special events to regularities. However, with only a few months of true, consistent winter weather, the league has a small time frame to shove in a few games instead of having all season to overdo the outdoor games.

Overall, while there are people that do hate the Winter Classic setting and think the NHL is better indoors, the thought of more outdoor games could be a major push to the league’s growth.

In a time when more fans are tuning into the sport, doing something different to keep their attention is something the league needs to consider. And, with a built-in feature already showing to be a favorite of fans, the league shouldn’t have to go any farther than the nearest outdoor stadium to keep their growth stream going.