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7 Reasons Why The Avalanche Should Get An Outdoor Game Next Season

DENVER (CBS4) - Being outdoors in Colorado in the winter can be chilly and it can be snowy -- sometimes very snowy -- and it's just for these reasons that the NHL should award the Colorado Avalanche an outdoor game next season.

Team president Josh Kroenke talked about the possibility of hosting such a game earlier this month in a news conference, and he said the Avs ownership are pushing hard for it.

Josh Kroenke
Josh Kroenke (credit: CBS)

Here are seven reasons why an outdoor game should happen here during the 2015-2016 season.

1. It would be a great way to mark the Avalanche's 20th season.
The Avalanche have had a fantastic 20 years in Denver, including Stanley Cups. We're a town that loves hockey but has yet to see a pro game take place outdoors within city limits. "We think it would be great," Kroenke said. "We'd like to make the event as big as we can."

Gabriel Landeskog
Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center on March 27, 2014. (credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

2. The Avalanche are relevant again.
After a series of subpar seasons, the Avalanche are hot again under head coach Patrick Roy, and they have several talented young players including Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog. Watching the Avs' young guns lace up out in the elements would be a big draw both in the television ratings and in the stands. "We are a resurgent club," Kroenke said.

3. It would be a treat for all Avs fans.
The Avalanche are popular across the state, but games at the Pepsi Center can only fit so many fans. At a larger venue many more tickets would be available, perhaps at lesser prices. "I just wanted to let our fans know that it's something that could be a distinct possibility," Kroenke said of the prospect of the outdoor game.

4. There are at least two great choices for the venue for the game.

According to hockey fans who voted on CBSDenver.com, both Coors Field and Sports Authority Field at Mile High would be good choices for the venue. Among other things, Coors Field features a new party deck. And Mile High has got a great view from nearly every one of its approximately 76,000 seats.

Davenport catches pass
An image from the snowy Broncos-Colts game at Mile High in 2002. (credit: Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

5. It could snow at any time.
It doesn't matter whether the game would be played in November, January, March or some other month. In every month that pro hockey is played there has been recorded, measurable snowfall in Denver. "The league recognizes that Denver could be a natural fit for an outdoor game at some point in time; hopefully sooner rather than later," Kroenke said.

6. It would be good for Colorado winter tourism.
Every time a nationally televised Broncos game in the winter months shows little blips of video of people skiing at Colorado's nearby ski areas the mountain resorts see a spike in reservations. An outdoor hockey game in Colorado could be a good reminder to TV viewers around the country that Colorado is the place to go if you're a skier or snowboarder itching to experience some Rocky Mountain powder.

7. It would bring attention to Denver as a possible Olympic host city.
Any time Denver successfully hosts a big sporting event it gives more ammunition to those who are pushing for the Mile High City to be in contention to host a Winter Olympics. It's a long ways off, but the United States Olympic Committee might consider Denver as a host city for the 2026 Winter Games if city and state leaders make a push like many of us wish they would.

- Written by Jesse Sarles for CBSDenver.com

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