In anticipation of the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the City of Ottawa and the federal government are trying to persuade the NHL to select the nation’s capital as host of the 2017 NHL outdoor game.
In the last 15 years, the NHL has organized a high-profile series of outdoor games, typically drawing huge crowds and big-time television coverage. The Winter Classic, Heritage Classic and Stadium Series games were all outdoor games played in some of the most monumental stadiums across North America.
With Ottawa hoping to be next in line for one of these games, the city’s mayor has even floated the idea of playing in front the capital’s own monumental venue.
“There’s been increased interest in having us look at the possibility of hosting the game on Parliament Hill,” says Jim Watson.
City and federal officials have been in conversation with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and other league executives and the pros and cons of certain locations have been privately discussed.
“I met with officials from the NHL and the Senators a couple years ago to start the ball rolling on discussions to get an outdoor game in Ottawa for 2017,” says Watson.
At this point, the city has its bid for a game under review by the NHL. Although the league is currently working on producing the 2016 Winter Classic, Watson continues to excite Ottawa with questions about the 2017 game.
On Sept. 15, the mayor posted a question on Twitter asking others where they would like to see an outdoor game played. After suggesting the locations of Parliament Hill, TD Place and LeBreton Flats, he was deluged with feedback from local citizens.
The feedback conveyed both excitement and skepticism, with some members of the public not sure how practical a game on Parliament Hill would be.
“The hill is just an iconic backdrop, but obviously it would be less people being able to see it,” says Watson. “There are other things, such as washrooms, selling beer and having concessions that would have to be looked at.”
Because of these challenges, the city is also seriously considering TD Place.
In addition to TD Place’s 24,000-seat capacity, there is a possibility of additional seating being temporarily installed if the stadium is selected to host the 2017 Grey Cup.
The Grey Cup and Juno Awards are two other major events that Ottawa is looking to host in 2017 as a part of the 150th celebration.
“All of these events are part of the strategy to make Ottawa the destination of choice for Canadians and visitors around the world as they make their holiday plans,” says Watson. “We want to give them even more reason to come visit Ottawa.”
While there has been no matchup of teams set, Watson and many others have suggested that the hometown Ottawa Senators should face off against the Montreal Canadiens.
Although the Senators have declined further comment on the issue for now, team president Cyril Leeder voiced support for the idea last month.
“2017 is positioned to be a truly remarkable year for the Senators, the city and the entire country,” Leeder said at a Senators press conference. “(Senators owner) Eugene (Melnyk) was adamant that our support of Ottawa 2017 should reflect our own organization’s commitment and passion to the anniversary year.”
“Ultimately, I’ll just be grateful to be awarded an outdoor game,” says Watson. “I think there was a lot of interest and enthusiasm for it and my goal as mayor is to work with the Senators to try our best to get the NHL to choose us as a venue.”