In 2008, the NHL started what has become a staple of New Year’s Day (and January 2): the Winter Classic. Then, in 2014, they implemented the NHL Stadium Series to add to the element of outdoor hockey. Of course, there is also the Heritage Classic, which was started in 2003.
The problem with the Winter Classic, Stadium Series and Heritage Classic is, there are not enough games played. They usually max out at a combined three games between the three synonymous outdoor series, but it feels like the NHL could capitalize on it so much more.
The issue with too many outdoor games, though, is the weather factor. It is so difficult to control the environment, and, in turn, you can get much sloppier play.
That’s where the solution of the Dome Series comes in. And no, the Dome Series has nothing to do with the always-popular bubble hockey game. It has everything to do with playing in domed stadiums.
With domed stadiums, it gives you more cities to choose from, and it just gives you a different environment. Plus, when the NHL decides they want to play in untapped markets down south, albeit not a bad decision by any means, they can play it in a temperature controlled stadium.
And yes, the whole point of the outdoor games is to bring players back to their roots, but they are also about fan experience. Imagine the Lightning hosting a division rival in the new Tampa Bay Rays future new stadium. Or imagine Skol chants breaking out during a Wild game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
With the Dome Series, the NHL would not be limited to just the winter months. They could play the games throughout the entire season and try to tap into untapped markets. And, if they are lucky, they could open up the roofs during some of the games to continue to give it that outdoor feel.
This idea is not a knock on the outdoor games, either. In fact, the NHL should continue to build their outdoor series by adding more games to the schedule each year. Fans seem to love the atmosphere, and it presents less of a chance for fans to complain about which teams get chosen to play in the games each year.
Instead, with the Dome Series, the NHL would have an added element they can use throughout the entire season. They can gain exposure in ways they have not yet been able to do so, and they bring in more revenue.
That is why the NHL should implement the Dome Series.
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