Color‑On‑Color Jerseys: A Fresh Take for Outdoor Hockey
The big outdoor game on New Year’s Eve drew more than 50,000 fans to Rice‑Eccles Stadium.
Utah Mammoth and Colorado Avalanche supporters were bundled up, proudly sporting team colors in thick jackets while hoping for a memorable rivalry.
A jersey mystery
Fans wondered which team would wear the classic white jersey. Traditionally, home jerseys are bright and away jerseys dull, but recent experiments hint at a change.
- In the past season, special occasions allowed both teams to wear their home colors—and people liked it.
- A new color‑on‑color look could mean the Mammoth’s black jersey against Colorado’s maroon, or a fresh “mountain blue” for Utah that would clash nicely with an Avalanche maroon design.
Such variations are already part of the NHL’s outdoor tradition:
| Year | Game | Teams & Colors |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Winter Classic | Detroit (red) vs. Toronto (blue) |
| 2017 | Heritage Classic | Pittsburgh & Philadelphia swapped black for primary colors |
| 2019 | Winter Classic | Same swap |
| Later events | Flyers & Bruins | Black vs. orange or yellow |
Outdoor games are more than regular matches; they celebrate the sport and community.
The NHL’s Winter Classic, Heritage Classic, and Stadium Series each have a unique vibe— the former marking the new year.
Preparation is key
- Crews set up a temporary rink, boards, benches, and manage ice quality amid changing weather.
- Stadiums with roofs help control temperature; open ones like Rice‑Eccles rely on tarps or tents if needed.
With the league’s experience in places like Tampa, weather concerns are less daunting than ever.
The focus now is on creating memorable fan experiences and new jersey designs that reflect the excitement of outdoor hockey.
