The Case For Outdoor Hockey In South Florida

  Imagine walking into MarlinsPark with a packed crowd of fans, roaring at the sound of the Florida Panthers’ goal horn.

  The downtown Miami skyline shimmers brightly through the open vista above what is usually left field.

  The night sky shines down from the open roof above.

  And all the while, a hockey game is being played on an ice rink in the middle of a baseball field.

  While this may sound far-fetched for most fans, the idea of an outdoor hockey game in South Florida is one that has been discussed for several years with the rise in popularity of the NHL’s Stadium Series.

  Indeed, the Florida Panthers have been a much maligned team over the past decade, having weak attendance on a consistent basis and plagued by rumors of a move from the area.

  Despite this, the squad the Panthers have in place now is a solid, talented core of young and exciting players that have put the Cats in the hunt for the playoffs, something the team is not familiar with given past history.

  Perhaps with the rise of the Panthers once again to a competitive status and with the popularity of the league’s outdoor games, there is no better time to hold an outdoor game in South Florida.

  The average temperature in South Florida in January or February is in the 60’s, atemperature at which an outdoor rink can be held with great success.

  In 2014, the LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks played in Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, with a game-time starting temperature in the 60’s.

  Additionally, ice skating rinks are maintained in Tampa and in Orlando (on the UCF campus) during the winter months under similar weather conditions, with great success.

  In 1991, the New York Rangers and LA Kings faced off in a pre-season exhibition game in the parking lot of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, with temperatures ranging from 85 to 95 degrees during the game, with the ice holding up just fine.

  Safe to say technology used to keep ice in good skating conditions has advanced since then.

  As MarlinsPark holds only 36,742 people, a sellout is an easy bet for a once-in-a-lifetime sort of game for the Panthers.

  If any worries exist, put the Cats against a northern team such as Montreal or Pittsburgh and the fans will pack the house, much as they do at current BB&TCenter games.

  As MarlinsPark has a roof as well to keep the whole atmosphere temperature controlled, the ice can be constructed with the stadium closed and the temperature turned down.

  An hour before game time, the roof and outer vista wall can be opened up to give the game the outdoor feel, much like Vancouver’s BC Place had done during last year’s Heritage Classic.

  Another way to help keep the temperature down is to hold the game at night, shielding the playing surface from the harsh South Florida sun.

  After seeing how well a football field looked at Marlins Park during the Miami Beach Bowl, it is easy to see how an ice hockey rink would fit.

  Florida Panthers fans should be given the ability to attend an outdoor game, much like fans in the north have.

  The technology exists, the facility is there, and the fans are ready.

  Your move, NHL.