USA hosting 2018 WJC

[sjci]

I think Buffalo has the inside track on this. With the HARBORCENTER just built, the hotel will be fully up and running by 2018. And into the fact USA Hockey has developed a great relationship with the organization makes it the odds on favorite. (USA prospects game '12, '14, '15)

The IIHF also awarded the Women's U18 Worlds to Buffalo, which will take place exclusively in the HARBORCENTER complex. I think they are going to see how this tournament goes that will factor in to the equation as well.

 

[Jussi]

Go for Florida, Buffalo just hosted it recently and Pittsburgh is a bit... well, meh.

Buffalo had great crowds the last time and Florida is hockey hotbed since...?

 

[Urbanskog]

Buffalo had great crowds the last time and Florida is hockey hotbed since...?

Florida has palm trees and snow-fearing Canadians.

 

[Machinehead]

Anywhere but Buffalo. Canada is the home team if you put it in Buffalo.

 

[Alerion]

Anywhere but Buffalo. Canada is the home team if you put it in Buffalo.

But your program makes more money off of ticket sales and merchandise which it can use for player development.

 

[Jussi]

Florida has palm trees and snow-fearing Canadians.

Who don't show up to watch hockey there.

 

[Canadian Finn]

I think having it in Florida would be a disaster.

 

[Bps21*]

Buffalo just holding it is kind of irrelivent. A lot has changed since they had it. The whole deal down there has been done to get events like this as often as possible.

 

[gattaca]

If you want people in the stands beyond Canada games, it has to be Buffalo. Or non-Canada/USA games have to be played <10k arenas.

As many have mentioned, the WJs aren't on the radar screen of Americans, let alone the majority of American hockey fans. It will flop in Florida. A bit more interest in Pittsburgh but not much more.

 

[Machinehead]

But your program makes more money off of ticket sales and merchandise which it can use for player development.

The United States doesn't need money. What we need is to play in front of Americans.

 

[Statsy]

The United States doesn't need money. What we need is to play in front of Americans.

That's up to the Americans. They actually have to show up to this thing.

 

[TheTwelfth]

Didn't both Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay host the Frozen Four recently, both to great success?

 

[kingsholygrail]

That's up to the Americans. They actually have to show up to this thing.

Play in LA. I'll go.

 

[Confucius]

I think having it in Florida would be a disaster.

It's why it was mentioned, more fodder..

 

[Tom Brady]

I think having it in Florida would be a disaster.

I would agree. all the games not involving the Canadian and American teams the attendance would probably look like this, and it would be down right embarrassing.

http://houndsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/BUTganBIUAMB2AL.jpg_large.jpg

 

[Cellee]

USA will do a great job.

Would like to see it in Pittsburgh, US games will sell out, even at Penguins prices I'd bet.

 

[IHaveNoCreativity]

Would like to see it in Minnesota.

 

[GKJ]

Put it in Pittsburgh

 

[Canadian Finn]

I would agree. all the games not involving the Canadian and American teams the attendance would probably look like this, and it would be down right embarrassing.

http://houndsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/BUTganBIUAMB2AL.jpg_large.jpg

What game is that from? That can't be real.

 

[Tom Brady]

What game is that from? That can't be real.

It's real bro, and it was against Ottawa.

 

[MrBojangles4]

Didn't both Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay host the Frozen Four recently, both to great success?

Yes, both did and had great success with attendance. However, I believe that Pittsburgh will be the choice since Buffalo just hosted. They won't go back-to-back with Buffalo, and yes Florida has many Canadian snowbirds but I don't think USA Hockey is ready to go with Florida hosting the WJC just yet. And don't forget that Pittsburgh is only a 3 hour drive from the Canadian border.

 

[Cellee]

Yes, both did and had great success with attendance. However, I believe that Pittsburgh will be the choice since Buffalo just hosted. They won't go back-to-back with Buffalo, and yes Florida has many Canadian snowbirds but I don't think USA Hockey is ready to go with Florida hosting the WJC just yet. And don't forget that Pittsburgh is only a 3 hour drive from the Canadian border.

Dare I say it may also bring Philadelphia fans as well?

 

[BarDownBobo]

What game is that from? That can't be real.

It was an weekday afternoon preseason game in Florida. Not the brightest scheduling choice.

 

[JC Numminen]

I was sure I heard Grand Forks was bidding for it. And I would love that.

Is it too late? Or can they still submit a bid?

 

[MrBojangles4]

Dare I say it may also bring Philadelphia fans as well?

Cleveland - 2 hours away
Columbus - 3 hours away
Detroit - 4 hours away
Buffalo - 2.5 hours

Theres plenty of cities easily within driving distance for the fans who really want to see the competition. Pittsburgh is a hockey town. I believe it will do very well if it hosted in Pitt.