Here’s something interesting from Charlie Walters daily column,
yes I know, it’s Shooter. But Walters does make a good point. If Minnesota and
Ohio State can make $350,000.00 for an outdoor game, I would imagine that could
make more money with an attractive match-up like North Dakota versus Minnesota
in an non-conference outdoor hockey game.
Can you imagine the number of fans that would probably want
to see this event? I think you could definitely sell 50,000+ tickets for UND
vs. UMN in an outdoor hockey game. The two teams haven’t played for a season
and there’s the possibility they might go two or three more years without
playing. Tickets could be in high demand.
The University of Minnesota's share from its recent
outdoor hockey games will be about $350,000. When the Gophers, whose men's team
hosted Ohio State last week, host another outdoor game, North Dakota will be
sought as the opponent. (Shooter)
If you're
going to schedule a high-profile event like this, you should at least schedule
it against a more attractive opponent. I am just throwing it out there. This event
would have been more appropriate for an opponent like the Wisconsin Badgers,
Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans or another heated rival. I would
have even suggested North Dakota. In my opinion, last year's Hockey City
Classic between Wisconsin and Minnesota was way more entertaining, than this
year’s Hockey City Classic.
It
doesn't sound like Golden
Gopher head coach Don Luica was all that excited about having another
outdoor game anytime soon.
Lucia,
however, demurred when asked whether the Gophers should play another outdoor
game and instead lobbied the NHL to schedule one at TCF Bank Stadium.
"I
think we'll wait for a while now," Lucia said. "Quite frankly, the next
team that deserves to play this is the Wild."
The president of the Minnesota Twins would like to see
the Minnesota and North Dakota faceoff in an outdoor game at Target Field
sooner rather than later. I think that's one outdoor game that I would like to
see.