This morning, the Mayor Jim Watson took to Twitter with an interesting question.
Where would you like to see an NHL outdoor game in 2017? Lansdowne; Parliament Hill or LeBreton? #ottawa2017
— Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) September 15, 2015
I’ll admit, although I was a little sleepy when I first read the question, my initial reaction was laughter.
It seemed sort of odd that the Mayor would ask a question with such an obvious answer. He’s proposing three options and two of them are empty fields.
I’ll give the Mayor some credit though for dreaming big.
While TD Place seems like an obvious, slam-dunk choice when it comes to hosting the outdoor game in 2017, there are benefits that make those other two sites pretty tempting, even if they would prove to be logistical nightmares.
Parliament Hill is tempting for a variety of reasons including what would certainly be one of the most stunning visual backdrops of any outdoor game to date. An article in this morning’s Metro also suggests that Watson’s preference is to host the game at Parliament Hill.
Of course there are a variety of issues with that particular site including the fact that like 100 people would actually be able to see the game. I guess installing temporary bleacher seating on site would be an option but you’d still come nowhere close to the number of seats at TD Place.
LeBreton Flats would be a cool option if for no other reason than to have a little sneak preview at what life might be like with the Senators at LeBreton. Of course they would have many of the same issues as Parliament Hill. Perhaps Watson plans to fast track the development of the new stadium and have it ready to go in a couple years? That seems uhh, unlikely.
While the league has not yet made an official announcement, Ottawa is considered a no-brainer choice for an outdoor game in 2017. The event would be part of Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations which will include a Grey Cup game at TD Place. In addition to the 150th celebrations, 2017 also marks the 100 year anniversary of the first NHL game, which was played outdoors between the Senators and Canadiens.
The outdoor game is going to happen.
But before the league can make that official announcement, we should probably decide where the game will take place. Where would you like to see the outdoor game held in 2017 (even though there’s only one real option)?
More coming in a little bit.
