While there has yet to be an exact date, the NHL is moving closer to announcing an outdoor game between the Avalanche and a to-be-determined opponent at Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium.
“It’s going to happen sooner rather than later,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told BSN Denver. “It’ll be there, and it’s real.”
The planned NHL outdoor game, which could happen next season, would be the second in Colorado, with the 2016 Coors Stadium Series game at Coors Field between the Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings – including an alumni game – a raging success. It would be part of a series of outdoor games the NHL is coordinating at United States military academies. Last season, the Washington Capitals hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Naval Academy in Maryland.
Falcon Stadium has a seating capacity of 46,692 for football. It’s anyone’s guess as to who the opponent would be. Detroit made for a natural choice for the first one, with so much great history between the two teams. But with the rivalry having waned, partially because of the Red Wings’ move to the Eastern Conference, a more suitable opponent for the AFA game could be a Central Division team such as Minnesota or Nashville. The Chicago Blackhawks are always a popular choice for outdoor games as well, because of TV ratings.
0 Comments (8 conversations)
jttthenutt
Please let it be Minny. That’s a rivalry that nearly happened after the OT Game 7 loss. But Minny stayed competitive and the Avs…umm..yeah.
AllezAllezAllez
Running Dubnyk out of the AF Academy is the stuff dreams are made of.
The Heretic
Can Minny feild an alumni team?
Flashdurb
I don’t think there should be another alumni game. Let’s let that be one and done. Plus, would Patty Roy even show up?
Gurn Blanston
Have DU and CC play before the Avs game.
teerav42
This is my hope as well!
Adrian Dater
AuthorThat would be great
bjjones05
Sign me up now!! I will be there!
Jon
I’d be good with the Wild being the opponent.
osmodiarshazbot
Why not the Jets at the Air Force Academy? Maybe it builds into a bitter rivalry?
Adrian Dater
AuthorNot a bad idea
Adrian Dater
AuthorPretty sure it was one and done for many Avs alumni, Roy most especially
Adrian Dater
AuthorCan you just hear it? “DOOOOB”. But careful what you wish for. He’s a good goalie
hookset
I think this is great. Its always nice to have the Avs down this way. The Avs have a strong and large following down here. Spread the wealth a little.. Falcon stadium is great too. This would be a good move.
Rich
I vote for Avs v Minny & DU v Air Force.
TexAvs
I say Dallas Stars and bring back the Alumni game.
Modano, Hull, Ludwig, Nieuwendyk and Belfour.
Last Place Rob
Nashville has yet to participate in an outdoor game. I say bring on the Preds,