It has been five years since the Winter Classic was in Dallas and here are some places that would make for another great outdoor game.

January 1, 2020 Winter Classic Comes to Texas

Five years ago today 85,630 people filled the Cotton Bowl in Texas for an outdoor hockey game proving that Texas has a loyal hockey fanbase. I was at this game and it is without a doubt a top five sporting experience of my life. If the Dallas Stars are ever in it again, I will not miss it. Obviously the game could be outside of Texas and the Stars could play in it. If we want to keep the game here, these are my ideas for outdoor hockey.

Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium (Most Realistic)

You always hear of Austin being the city on everyone's list that deserves a professional sports team. Want to test the waters? See how many people will show up to the 100,119 capacity stadium. I think this is the most realistic option besides the Cotton Bowl.

Kyle Field (Most Bang for Your Buck)

Want to go the biggest you can possibly go in Texas? Kyle Field in College Station can hold 102,733 people. I think Austin is more realistic with it being a bigger city, but if the NHL wants the most fans possible. Kyle Field is where they have to go in Texas.

Sun Bowl (Most Picturesque)

The problem with this venue, we're cutting the capacity in nearly half. 51,500 people can fill this place up. However, the sun shining on the Franklin Mountains makes for some gorgeous views during the game. Another big problem with this venue, the NCAA usually hosts a bowl game around the same time of year as the Winter Classic. Hopefully it can handle two big events around the same time if it were to happen.

Rice Stadium (Least Realistic)

The one pro sports team Houston is missing is an NHL franchise. Being the biggest city in Texas, I am sure the NHL would love to host a game in Houston. The Texans play in a dome. Yes it's retractable like AT&T Stadium in Arlington, but all of the outdoor NHL games have been in truly outdoor stadiums. Rice is your best option with the biggest capacity of 47,000.

Choctaw Stadium (Stadium Series)

Along with the Winter Classic, the NHL does something called the Stadium Series another outdoor game in the season. I think if you're staying in the Dallas area for the Winter Classic, you have to do the Cotton Bowl. However, the Stadium Series could work in the old home of the Texas Rangers. Yes, the stadium is still used for a rugby team and a USFL team. Why not one game for the Dallas Stars?

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Hopefully the Dallas Stars get to play in another outdoor game at some point. Chicago has played in five AND lost all five. Dallas is currently undefeated in outdoor hockey (just saying).