Outdoor Games, worth it?

[JustAsking]

My presale date is today for the Kings/Duck game... I have heard bad reviews about being able to watch the game... has anyone here attended an outdoor game, and if so, are the prices worth it... cheapest is $89 but I am looking at the next level up at $139.. most expensive is $279

 

[dash]

I haven't been to an outdoor game, but I think you go more for the party and atmosphere than for the actual game itself. People that I have talked to that went to the outdoor game in Calgary have told me thaey had a blast.

 

[dash]

That said, I won't be attending the Heritage Classic at BC Place as I don't think you can get the atmosphere in a covered stadium (yes, they can open the roof, but there's a good chance it'll be raining).

 

[Nasty_Magician]

I just dropped $189 on the Devils/Rangers at Yankee Stadium, January 26th, so I sure hope so. Personally, I've seen a couple of live events, sporting/concerts in non traditional locations and it's always been a great, kind of surreal experience, so I don't see this being much different.

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

I went to the Winter Classic in Buffalo.

That was the spectacle that made it fun. We had decent seats angle-wise but were way up in the upper deck and it was snowing, so seeing the action was a little tough at times.

It was worth it then, but that was the first (non-Canadian) outdoor game so I thought it was much cooler then.

 

[davnlaguna]

I want to go but I am not a STH so I must wait until they go on sale to the public. StubHub has crazy prices so I am hoping no o e pays those and they are forced to lower prices

 

[jstewismybastardson]

canucks have started letting it be known that they didnt set the prices for the upcoming game (because theyve gotten alot of flack for the high prices) ... these games are nhl events and the NHL sets the price

so i dont see any of the upcoming games tickets prices being lowered since that would be too logical

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

I personally thought the whole appeal of the outdoor games was their uniqueness. If we're going to have so many outdoor games it sort of loses its appeal. I guess I understand why they're doing it like this tho, too many fans complain that so few teams get outdoor games and having special jerseys for the outdoor games is also very profitable for the league. I guess from a business standpoint having more outdoor games is a good thing, but as a fan I wish they only had the Winter Classic & the Heritage Classic.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

BTW, I went to the Winter Classic when it was here in Pittsburgh. Was totally worth it even tho we lost & Sid got hurt. It was a fun time and got to meet a lot of people from out of state. Really cool experience.

 

[JustAsking]

I decided not to purchase any tickets for this event... just bought a new car and have my second child coming in December so my money could be used in more family friendly ways... too bad I don't know you davnlaguna, I could have gotten two for you...

thanks for the feedback...

 

[elocomotive]

BTW, I went to the Winter Classic when it was here in Pittsburgh. Was totally worth it even tho we lost & Sid got hurt. It was a fun time and got to meet a lot of people from out of state. Really cool experience.

Same here. That was an awesome atmosphere that night, even despite the rain.

You have to understand too, that for someone from a fanbase like the Capitals - who were outnumbered and/or outscreamed even in our HOME facility as a kid by Flyers, Pens, or Rags fans - it was very special to drive to Pittsburgh and see Caps jersey in every rest stop and gas station. THAT was my best memory of the event.

It sucks they are adding all these other outdoor games now. They are just going to dilute what made the Classic so special. Hockey doesn't get big ratings, especially during the season. This has been effective to that end. They are changing the formula for short-term game to their long-term detriment.

 

[flyersfan4706]

Out of both of the Flyers' Winter Classics, I prefer Boston. Traveling to someone else's territory made it amazing, truly magical.

The inevitable Flyers/Penguins Beaver Stadium game is going to be the highlight of my life.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

Same here. That was an awesome atmosphere that night, even despite the rain.

You have to understand too, that for someone from a fanbase like the Capitals - who were outnumbered and/or outscreamed even in our HOME facility as a kid by Flyers, Pens, or Rags fans - it was very special to drive to Pittsburgh and see Caps jersey in every rest stop and gas station. THAT was my best memory of the event.

It sucks they are adding all these other outdoor games now. They are just going to dilute what made the Classic so special. Hockey doesn't get big ratings, especially during the season. This has been effective to that end. They are changing the formula for short-term game to their long-term detriment.

Yeah, was great for the city to host such an event. Really brought hockey fans of all types together, Penguin fans, Capital fans, and fans of other teams as well. Almost felt like we were hosting the Super Bowl.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

Out of both of the Flyers' Winter Classics, I prefer Boston. Traveling to someone else's territory made it amazing, truly magical.

The inevitable Flyers/Penguins Beaver Stadium game is going to be the highlight of my life.

That should be a heck of an event, I can't wait for the Pens & Flyers to play in an outdoor game.

 

[davnlaguna]

I decided not to purchase any tickets for this event... just bought a new car and have my second child coming in December so my money could be used in more family friendly ways... too bad I don't know you davnlaguna, I could have gotten two for you...

thanks for the feedback...

No problem.
If I am meant to go I will get tickets. If not then it was a rip off anyway.
Hoping to rent a suite for my bday this year.

 

[flyersfan4706]

That should be a heck of an event, I can't wait for the Pens & Flyers to play in an outdoor game.

Just thinking about it makes me excited. Neutral territory, 100000 people, and a massive rivalry. Not to mention this tension between everyone staying in State College.

 

[HockeyDoug]

Worth doing once to see what it's all about. tens of thousands couldn't see much and even though I could see the whole ice, it was painful watching those players try to make plays on the bad ice.

Fun experience to do ONCE...unless it's an excuse to start boozin at 7am.

 

[davnlaguna]

According to Lakingsinsider the Kings/ducks game ticket presales are the fastest of any outdoor NHL game ever. Not a happy thought for those of is without tickets. And once again shows Bettman was wrong when he said it wouldnt work in LA ( as long as the ice holds up)

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

According to Lakingsinsider the Kings/ducks game ticket presales are the fastest of any outdoor NHL game ever. Not a happy thought for those of is without tickets. And once again shows Bettman was wrong when he said it wouldnt work in LA ( as long as the ice holds up)

I think the ice will be fine as long as it doesn't rain. From my experience, rain is the worst thing for an outdoor ice hockey game.

 

[BOSSMANPC]

I think the ice will be fine as long as it doesn't rain. From my experience, rain is the worst thing for an outdoor ice hockey game.

When the game was in Buffalo they were talking to players that played in outdoor games and what conditions they like or don't like. Some people said snow would be bad but the players said a light snow is not a problem at all, even a light rain is OK (obviously a heavy rain is a problem) and the temp isnt a problem unless it's very warm or very very cold. One thing they all agreed on is the thing they hate the most is a bright sunny day because of the glare it causes on the ice.

That's why the conditions here were perfect for an outdoor game. Overcast 28 degrees and a nice light snow.

Dave, I don't know how they broke the record for sales because when we had the winter classic the website crashed and tickets that were available to the locals were gone in something like 40 minutes. They had to save a certain amount for Pittsburgh and other out of area fans . Unless the time frame and criteria is different.