Here Come The Hawks... To Wrigley?

by Al Yellon on Feb 21, 2008 10:13 AM CST in Chicago Cubs News

With the success of the recent outdoor hockey game between the Sabres and Penguins in Buffalo, I figured it wouldn't be too long before the Blackhawks under former Cub president John McDonough might consider an outdoor game, to create some buzz about the team, most likely at Soldier Field, where they could sell 65,000 tickets.

In today's Daily Herald, Tim Sassone reports that Wrigley Field is under consideration:

If the ratings for last month's outdoor game in Buffalo had the NHL doing cartwheels, NBC has to be drooling at the thought of the Hawks playing in Wrigley Field, one of the most famous venues in America. It's understating it to say it would be an event.

While it was first believed that Soldier Field was the venue pitched to [NHL Commissioner Gary] Bettman recently by McDonough when the two men met, we should have connected the dots and guessed Wrigley Field.

It's so John McDonough, who could turn out to be the most important acquisition by the Blackhawks since Tony Esposito came over in a trade from Montreal almost four decades ago.

If the Hawks don't get the outdoor game next season, it could go to the New York Rangers, who have pitched a game at Yankee Stadium to the league, according to an NHL source.

Intriguing. Discuss amongst yourselves. If they offered tickets to Cub season ticket holders, I know I'd go.

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They will have to weigh...

65k at the lakefront spaceship crash versus 42k at the old north side ballyard.

Wrigley would make it more 'event'ful and since attendance magnitude won't set any records by using a Chicago venue anyway, it could slant towards Wrigley.

And while Cubs season ticket holders would like to have an offer, we know that won't likely happen.

If the NHL wants max attendance-only, look for a 'Hawks/Wings game at the big house.

by blackhawk24 on Feb 21, 2008 10:38 AM CST reply actions

Not so sure...

... they wouldn't offer season ticket holders tickets, or at least have a season ticket holder lottery (they did for the Buffett and Police concerts).

The "event" thing might tip it to Wrigley, as the TV ratings would probably be higher than for a game at Soldier Field.

The thing I'd worry most about is what it would do to the new turf.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Feb 21, 2008 10:47 AM CST up reply actions

bingo

I'd have to believe they have a way to do this without tearing up the field too much if these other places are willing to do it, but considering that they just redid the field I can't imagine they would do this.

That being said, there are definitely possibilities. Either the rooftops owners could have fun with this, or they could set it up like a Bears game.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Feb 21, 2008 10:56 AM CST up reply actions

Agree with Al.

Was thinking the same thing about the field, Al. We might need a daily webcam update on the field, similar to what you gave us a few months ago with the resodding :)

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Feb 21, 2008 12:10 PM CST up reply actions

It's not like they'll flood...

the field directly then build the boards around it. A way back when, before indoor arenas were plentiful, the luckiest of kids had yards to flood that were level and large enough for nearly a full size rink; just get out the garden hose. Won't be that way for this obviously.

Whatever the temporary plan, they'll have some floor substrate to assemble before the ice surface. This has to be carefully addressed wherever they play.

by blackhawk24 on Feb 21, 2008 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

Hockey, like baseball, belongs outdoors

n/t

I have no response to that.

by stelmodad on Feb 21, 2008 10:39 AM CST reply actions

Awesome!

Frankly, I love Wrigley for anything. I saw the Buffett concerts and they were awesome.

I would probably go to see a Peter, Paul and Mary cover band at Wrigley!

by toaster on Feb 21, 2008 10:43 AM CST reply actions

Dumb

Yeah, lets put down an ice surface on our brand new state-of-the-art baseball playing surface. That makes loads of sense.

by MDBNIU on Feb 21, 2008 11:00 AM CST reply actions

Why are you so negative about everything?

99% of your posts are critical or negative. By reading your posts, you'd think the Cubs were a last-place team that never did anything right.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Feb 21, 2008 11:20 AM CST up reply actions

Thanks, someone had to say it

"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella

by El Borto on Feb 21, 2008 11:27 AM CST up reply actions

Well

I'm not negative. But I am a realist. I like the 2008 Cubs a great deal. Sorry if pessimistic viewpoint on some elements of this ballclub (e.g., Felix Pie, Matt Murton) rubs you the wrong way.

To the subject at hand, yes I think it is a dumb idea to lay an ice surface down on a brand new baseball playing surface. It was also idiotic to have a rock concert at Wrigley, or need I remind you of the extensive damage to the outfield turf.

Let the Blackhawks play at Soldier Field.

by MDBNIU on Feb 21, 2008 12:40 PM CST up reply actions

It's not like they get out a fire hose

and flood the grass directly.

Have you ever posted anything with a positive comment?

by blackhawk24 on Feb 21, 2008 12:43 PM CST up reply actions

Yep

Tell you what, why don't you check out my brief history of posts on this blog and get back to me with an official rating on the positive-o-meter. I think you'll be surprised.

By the same token if this board is all about sugar-coating the uncertainties and negatives of this ballclub, then I'm in the wrong spot. I've been a diehard for 31 years and have spent a whole lot of time with my butt plunked down in the seats at Wrigley. I'll tell it like it is and let the chips fall where they might. Thanks for your support.

by MDBNIU on Feb 21, 2008 1:17 PM CST up reply actions

The representative sample of comments...

immediately above tells me enough.

Bottom line, the Cubs' heirarchy won't allow the playing of one 'Hawks game screw up the field that is finally on par with MLB standards; period.

by blackhawk24 on Feb 21, 2008 1:26 PM CST up reply actions

Hmm..

So you and I say the same thing in terms of it being a bad idea to play a hockey game at Wrigley, and your Mr. Sunshine while I'm Debbie Downer. Interesting how that works. Enough with the drama grades. Lets deal in discussion about the Cubs. And accept that diversity of opinion is what makes the world go round.

by MDBNIU on Feb 21, 2008 1:31 PM CST up reply actions

Well I agree with Debbie Downer

if that's what you prefer, but show me where I said it was a bad idea. Honestly, I actually think before I write.

You take a look what I said and please show me where I said it was a "bad idea".

And spare us your diversity comment; boy if that doesn't sound like the poor man liberal out-cry.

Try, just try to come up with some substance to back your thought process and perhaps others, present company included, won't comment on your negativity.

by blackhawk24 on Feb 21, 2008 1:46 PM CST up reply actions

Well...

I'm a lot of things. A liberal isn't one of them. In fact I'm probably to the right of Ghangis Khan on many things. Thanks.

by MDBNIU on Feb 21, 2008 7:07 PM CST up reply actions

Good, we're both right wingers

in my case it's two fold since that's my hockey playing position. I used to like to call it the off-wing since I shoot lefty.

Now think of what we both said and please, please tell me how we agreed that it was a bad idea. Don't worry, they won't F-up the grass. No way would the Cubs field mgmt allow that.

In fact, after seeing so many other posts, I think so of the others are on to something and I now change my stance that Wrigley is even better than a 50-50 chance (my original odds) to get the game.

by blackhawk24 on Feb 22, 2008 4:31 PM CST up reply actions

Well according to

Bill Nye in this Q/A from the Cornell Center for Materials Research "Ask a Scientist" page...

The Earth got started spinning a little over four and a half billion years ago, when it formed from cosmic dust. Tiny as they may be, specks of dust have gravity. Check out a dusty shelf sometime. The Earth isn't just pulling the dust down. The dust is, ever so slightly pulling the Earth up. (Weird, yes?) The particles left over from the explosions of distant stars pulled themselves together and formed our Sun, the asteroids, the other planets and moons, and our own Earth.

The Earth and the other planets are enormous balls of deep-space dust. The dust particles came from all different directions in space. We can see stars in every direction, and with sensitive enough telescopes, we can see exploding stars in every direction. The process of cosmic dust-making is still going on. When the Earth formed, the dust didn't come together exactly evenly -- almost, but not exactly. This unevenness made the Earth take on a slight spin.

Try this. Put a quarter on a smooth table. Now, slide pennies or dimes right at the quarter, bumping and nudging it. Watch the picture (the eagle or George Washington). You'll notice that it's very hard to bump the quarter without making it rotate just a little bit. The same thing happened with the dust. As it came together it took on a little spin, a little rotation. And, that motion is still with us today. It makes the world go round. Whee!

It has nothing to do with "diversity" of anything.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 21, 2008 1:58 PM CST up reply actions

Bill Nye is a most excellent science guy, but...

...I much prefer to get my physics from Dr. Julius Sumner Miller. Used to watch videos of him whenever we had a substitute teacher. Here's a clip from one of his shows. Skip ahead to the 4 minute mark and you'll see an experiment that I still remember 30+ years later.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKCdq6X08Sw

Man, did he have some eyebrows...

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Feb 21, 2008 3:23 PM CST up reply actions

I would like to see this...

...but I doubt it could realistically happen. Have you ever been by the park in the winter and seen the amount of work going on there? It is a construction zone all winter basically.

Never say never though!

by cubsscoop on Feb 21, 2008 11:16 AM CST reply actions

I'll bet

the Rangers end up getting the outdoor game next year, especially with Yankee Stadium going bye bye.

I would think the Hawks would get one the next year.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Feb 21, 2008 11:18 AM CST reply actions

Don't rule out...

'Hawks at Wings in the big house.

by blackhawk24 on Feb 21, 2008 12:44 PM CST up reply actions

Yep.

I thought of the Dead Things immediately too.

Et tu, Augie, et tu?

by mlf on Feb 21, 2008 12:53 PM CST up reply actions

Here come the Hawks!

What was dumb was first allowing the awful band Police to play at Wrigley and for not taking the appropriate measures to protect the field. I think the NHL and the Cub organization would not make the same mistake. Either way a Hawks game most likely against Detroit (Sucks!) would be great either at Wrigley or Soldier Field!

Commit to the Indian!!!

by Bpatterson83 on Feb 21, 2008 11:18 AM CST reply actions

Protecting the field.

The Cubs knew they were resodding the field last offseason, so any damage to the previous sod didn't really matter -- and the entire OF was redone before the playoffs anyway.

I have to imagine there's a way to do this without damaging the field, especially since it would be done in the winter when the grass is dormant anyway.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Feb 21, 2008 11:21 AM CST up reply actions

Exactly,

and the field issues weren't really about grass as much as drainage and quality of the dirt and substrate.

by N Oakley on Feb 21, 2008 11:45 AM CST up reply actions

Three things...

I hope Wrigley is the place
I hope the Redwings are the opponent
And though I would certainly be rooting for the Hawks, I most fervently hope that at some point during the match (preferably after a goal by Cheli), I get to see an octopus come flying out of the bleachers and onto the rink.

Talk about throwing it back...

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Feb 21, 2008 11:39 AM CST reply actions

Here is the question....

...if a wing player shoots the puck into the crowd, do they throw it back???

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Feb 21, 2008 11:52 AM CST up reply actions

Remember,

To achieve the maximum bounce and slide of the eight legged cephalopod, one must par boil. A raw octopus merely hits the ice and sticks, much like a tongue to a flag pole, and causes significant delay to the game. Par boiling allows for a player to wrist the cullinary delight back into the stands or send it toward the Zamboni door.

by N Oakley on Feb 21, 2008 12:16 PM CST up reply actions

Wrigley or Soldier

No matter what it is going to be an "event" and will result in huge TV ratings but Wrigley would add a bit more historical importance in peoples mind.

I wonder if they could put temporary bleachers to add seating beyond the permanent ones? Maybe that's just crazy talk though.

by slocs55 on Feb 21, 2008 12:19 PM CST reply actions

That's how it was done in years past

for both Cubs and Bears games...

by blackhawk24 on Feb 21, 2008 12:46 PM CST up reply actions

Doubt they'd do that.

That'd ruin the field more than putting up the hockey rink would.

They could easily get 40,000+ in Wrigley for a Blackhawks game. Between that and the TV ratings, they'd have a bonanza.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Feb 21, 2008 1:37 PM CST up reply actions

There's always...

Iowa Hawk(eye) Day at Wrigley Field!

An open invitation to visit Des Moines and watch the Iowa Cubs...

by IowaCubs- on Feb 21, 2008 12:58 PM CST reply actions

Hockey at Wrigley

I would love to see the Hawks at Wrigley! What a thing it would be for me to see -- my two favorite sports played in the same venue. In my little world there are two seasons in Chicago -- Baseball and Hockey! At least that's what my brother keeps telling everyone.

"I'm a Cubs fan. I'm very, very patient." -- from a Shoe cartoon.

by No Southern Belle on Feb 21, 2008 1:13 PM CST reply actions

Notre Dame?

They were talking on sports radio the other day about the possibility of having it at Notre Dame just because of the seating capacity. Though I don't think nearly as many people would go (I being one). I say leave it at Soldier Field. As cool as it would be to have it at Wrigley the "real" fans would never be able to get tickets.

by delorean80 on Feb 21, 2008 1:27 PM CST reply actions

I can't imagine...

... this game being played anywhere but Chicago, whether it's at Soldier Field or Wrigley Field.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Feb 21, 2008 1:40 PM CST up reply actions

You have to remember the commish of this league

is a total pinhead. Whatever bad shit can be laid on BudLight, Bettman - the NBA reject - is 10x worse. From simple shit like geographic division and conference names (the 'Hawks are in the Norris Division of the Campbell Conference), to ridculous expansion (post-1991), to un-controllable league finances, BS NBA-like playoff format, drop in the Canadian market to even considering 4 quarters of playing time, Bettman just doesn't get the big picture.

If he thinks big attendance, it just may be the big house; 'Hawks at Wings. What'd that draw, 120k?

Now what works in the 'Hawks favor is what helped the Cubs so many years; John McDonough. That one wildcard maybe enough to tip it in favor of a Chicago-based outdoor game; 50-50 shot it's at Wrigley.

by blackhawk24 on Feb 21, 2008 1:52 PM CST up reply actions

True enough about Bettman.

I do, however, think he's smart enough to listen to McDonough on this matter. If McDonough thinks the TV ratings (where the real $ is) would be higher at Wrigley than at Soldier Field, then the game would be at Wrigley.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Feb 21, 2008 2:00 PM CST up reply actions

I'll hope but not hold my breath

For the dollar only perspective, the Wings are the league's biggest draw for years on end, both at the box office and on the tube.

Since Wrigley's and Soldier's capacity add up to just less than the big house and where the big house is located (wish it were Phoenix or somewhere else warm), that may give them enough of an edge.

But if there's someone like McDonough, who better to sell the Wrigley slant to even a pinhead commish.

How's this for an ad: "New Years Day outdoor hockey: Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Blackhawks, 1PM at Wrigley Field, home of the 2008 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs".

by blackhawk24 on Feb 21, 2008 2:07 PM CST up reply actions

But wait!

No one associates Notre Dame sports and New Year's Day anymore.

Et tu, Augie, et tu?

by mlf on Feb 21, 2008 2:29 PM CST up reply actions

Sounds great to me!

I doubt they'd play a game in Ann Arbor -- too far from Detroit, and it doesn't have the cachet that Wrigley Field does.

TV ratings are what they're after, not necessarily game attendance. "Live hockey, New Year's Day at Wrigley Field" -- that could draw BIG TV numbers.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Feb 21, 2008 2:31 PM CST up reply actions

Plus the logistics

are easier than with an NFL facility; not that I expect the Bears to be back in the playoffs with (Rex is our quarterback) Lovie & Co.

Yeah, I think you guys are onto something; Wrigley may just be the odds-on favorite to land this.

by blackhawk24 on Feb 21, 2008 2:38 PM CST up reply actions

On the flip side

-The Big House holds 110,0000 people and the NHL could say they've had the biggest NHL game ever
-Turf makes it easier because you don't have to worr about damaging grass, though damaging turf would be more expensive.
-Unlike the possibility of the Bears being a playoff team, Michigan won't need the stadium until their May graduation.
-Michigan is #1 in the country in hockey right now. And I want my doubleheader...see below.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Feb 21, 2008 4:35 PM CST up reply actions

Your right

on the ratings. The league needs that a heck of a lot more than to sell tickets.

The NHL desperately needs to get back on ESPN and they no it.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Feb 21, 2008 10:00 PM CST up reply actions

ultimately

I don't care where they do it in chicago. As long as it's in chicago and I have tickets. :)

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Feb 21, 2008 3:03 PM CST reply actions

I'm going to be an presumptive jerk here

And guess that I'm one of the few, if the only one, who has gone to an outdoor hockey game. I went to see the Wisconsin Badgers take on Ohio State at the hallowed grounds of Lambeau field. It was called the Frozen Tundra Classic.

As you can see, they forfeited money and attendance for something I would like more: sightlines. Wrigley Field you wouldn't have to worry about as much because it is a little snug. I honestly would only want it at Soldier Field so I can tailgate, or even the Cell for that matters.

In the spirit of the Frozen Tundra Classic, I would also like free skates during the week and make the entire weekend. Instead of the Blackhawks game being the only game, I want Notre Dame/Wisconsin for NCAA, Wolves/Admirals for AHL, and Steel/Gamblers for the USHL.

The Packers web site still has a lot of information on how they did it. I got to look at the field about a week after they did it. You couldn't even tell there was a hockey game.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Feb 21, 2008 3:17 PM CST reply actions

sorry my link didn't work

If you can suck it up, make it quick, and get your fingers and eyes blessed by the bishop, it's pretty easy to find stuff on in it. Or I hear this thing called Google is pretty swell.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."- Harry Caray

by TkGoUWGB on Feb 21, 2008 4:36 PM CST up reply actions

I wish

I could have been there at the Tundra Classic, and wish they would do it again at Lambeau. Having the Badgers play before the Hawks would be sweet b/c of the number of former Badgers on the Hawks.
On Wisconsin!

by stadiumguru on Feb 21, 2008 11:49 PM CST up reply actions

something important

that I think is of great distinction between a hockey game in January and a Buffet or Police concert in July/August is the condition of the field before anything is put on it. It will be frozen when they start trampling around on it.

This should make it much more resilient and hopefully it wouldn't get nearly as destroyed as it would from the concerts. Covering grass during the growing season (summer) is much more damaging than it is during the winter. Just think about what happens if you drive on your lawn in the summer as opposed to the dead of winter...

In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity - Einstein

by cubbieblue86 on Feb 21, 2008 5:05 PM CST reply actions

Hockey at Wrigley? that's be cool..

now all we need to do is somehow get the Bulls to play a game there...

Live is boring until March 31st strolls by..

by Chanman25 on Feb 21, 2008 8:26 PM CST reply actions

Hey the Suns are doing a game outdoors...

I bet the bulls could play through snow right...?

by dus22 on Feb 23, 2008 3:44 PM CST up reply actions

The Suns' outdoor game...

... is an exhibition game, to be played in October. There's no way you could do this in a cold-weather city.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Feb 24, 2008 7:28 AM CST up reply actions

Holy Hannah!

This is one of the coolest ideas in a long time! I would definitely come back to Chicago for this. An Original Six team, the best hockey sweater around, playing at one of the greatest venues in sport has "awesome" written all over it.

The only thing that would be a negative is if it were against the Dead Things and their moronic fans came en masse wielding octopi.

PERRY!!!!

by Goat Whisperer on Feb 21, 2008 9:47 PM CST reply actions

There is almost no way

a game will be held at the big house because of the major renovations going on over the next few years. 2008 graduation isn't even there.

by stadiumguru on Feb 21, 2008 11:45 PM CST reply actions

Are you kidding me...

John McDonough just took over with the Blackhawks. He will choose where he can put as many butts in the seats as possible. If an outside game comes to reality, it will be at Soldier Field.

by montecarlo on Feb 23, 2008 4:26 AM CST reply actions

An outdoor game...

... isn't about "butts in the seats". It's about marketing and TV ratings, which would be MUCH higher if the game were at Wrigley Field.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Feb 23, 2008 4:32 AM CST up reply actions

What if...

Given the current condition of both venues, I think it's no question that Wrigley Field has it all over Soldier Field in terms of aesthetics, history, marketing potential, etc.

But what if that extra-terrestrial toilet had never landed on Soldier Field? Something tells me that it would be a much harder decision to make in figuring which venue is the best choice here. And even though McDonough clearly has ties to Wrigley there is no doubt in my mind that he could have created a very convincing and compelling story to showcase this event were it to be held at the old Soldier Field.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Feb 23, 2008 4:26 PM CST up reply actions