"If you go back to the first conversations that Ryan and I had, it was all about Ryan wanting to do big things for Utah. ... And on that list from the first time we had dinner was, 'I want league events. I want All-Star Game. I want an outdoor game. I want, I want, I want.' And it was not any question of what he wanted to do, but what he wanted for Utah."
"The venue, which hosted the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies in 2002 and will again for the Olympics in 2034, sits 4,657 feet above sea level with scenic views of the Wasatch Mountain Range. Smith cited the seven ski resorts within 20 minutes of the venue, and he said he envisions fans combining the Winter Classic with a family ski vacation. He is also hopeful to showcase the state as an innovative tech hub with the country's youngest demographic."
Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah will host the 2027 Winter Classic between the Utah Mammoth and the Colorado Avalanche, marking the 47th NHL regular-season outdoor game and Utah's first outdoor appearance. The Mammoth are in their third year after Ryan and Ashley Smith bought and relocated the franchise from Arizona. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Utah has "earned" the opportunity in a remarkably short timeframe and praised the franchise launch and community reception. The stadium sits 4,657 feet above sea level, hosted the 2002 Olympic Opening Ceremonies and will again for 2034. Owner Ryan Smith highlighted nearby ski resorts, hopes fans combine the event with family ski vacations, and aims to showcase Utah as an innovative tech hub with a young demographic while creating once-in-a-lifetime moments for the community.
Read at ESPN.com
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