NHL looking at Investors Group Field for Heritage Classic ?

[R.J]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=387459
The NHL is reportedly scouting Winnipeg's new Investors Field as a possible site for a potential outdoor Heritage Classic game.

A source told the Winnipeg Free Press that the league has contacted Environment Canada for data on Winnipeg weather patterns for January and February.

The Free Press noted that MTS Centre chief engineer Derek King was a key contributor to ice-making operations for this year's Winter Classic in Philadelphia.

The CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers are moving into the new stadium this season.

The NHL said last fall that Winnipeg would be good location to host a Heritage Classic. True North Sports and Entertainment chairman Mark Chipman discussed a possible outdoor game with the Free Press last month.

"If the opportunity came along, it's something we would certainly explore. But it's not something we're looking to do next year by any stretch," Chipman explained. "I don't even know when the next (Heritage Classic) would be available. I think people would be very enthusiastic (in Winnipeg). The Heritage Classics have been big successes whenever they've been held."

A game in Winnipeg would be the third Heritage Classic. Edmonton hosted Montreal in the first game in 2003 at Commonwealth Stadium, and the Flames hosted the Canadiens at McMahon Stadium in Calgary a year ago.So on top of Mark Cohon stating that Winnipeg will host a Grey Cup within 3 years after stadium completion (He stated this at the ground breaking), now a Heritage Classic.......... Looks like that new stadium is already paying off for the City of Winnipeg and The Bombers.

[ArgoRavi]

The Conference Board of Canada said the other day though that Winnipeg cannot support the Jets and Bombers together over the long-term: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/winnipeg-not-big-enough-for-jets-bombers-report/article2333186/?utm_medium=Feeds%3A RSS%2FAtom&utm_source=Home&utm_content=2333186

BTW, one of these days, one of these outdoor games will be a complete disaster due to the weather. It isn't a case of "if" but "when".

[R.J]

The Conference Board of Canada said the other day though that Winnipeg cannot support the Jets and Bombers together over the long-term: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/winnipeg-not-big-enough-for-jets-bombers-report/article2333186/?utm_medium=Feeds%3A RSS%2FAtom&utm_source=Home&utm_content=2333186

BTW, one of these days, one of these outdoor games will be a complete disaster due to the weather. It isn't a case of "if" but "when".I really don't see it as a problem, people in Manitoba love both the Jets and Bombers, the Conference Board of Canada also said not too long ago that Montreal could easily handle a MLB team again. It's not all about demo's or population, look at how Buffalo supports their teams, the Sabres and Bandits sell well, if the Bills actually won something in the last 20 years people would pack the house. Toronto is an even better example a Metro of 5.7 million, Southern Ontario is about 8 million, and only the Leafs sell out. I will agree with you about the Winter/Heritage Classic. Then again though let's be honest the idea started here, but the States love it, anything with hype around it Americans flock like white on rice, The Leafs want one too now for the Centennial or something and we all know how Toronto feels about Hype and how Americans see them.

[argolio]

The Conference Board of Canada said the other day though that Winnipeg cannot support the Jets and Bombers together over the long-term: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/winnipeg-not-big-enough-for-jets-bombers-report/article2333186/?utm_medium=Feeds%3A RSS%2FAtom&utm_source=Home&utm_content=2333186The Conference Board is full of it.