https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/...rand-Forks

If they’re playing in Grand Forks, ND (near Winnipeg) I guess the plan is an area somewhat isolated from COVID-19.

There are only 4 cases in the Greater Grand Forks area. Fargo is much worse.

NHL evaluating Grand Forks, ND and Manchester, NH as playoff sites.
https://nesn.com/2020/04/nhl-rumors-manc...n-resumes/

(04-06-2020 01:41 PM)IWokeUpLikeThis Wrote:  If they’re playing in Grand Forks, ND (near Winnipeg) I guess the plan is an area somewhat isolated from COVID-19.

If they're going to play in an empty arena, why not? The facility is up to snuff.

Hotels would be an issue, as the players would end up staying in hotels not up to NHL levels (more like where I stay when I travel for work). I'm sure they'd rather stay in a Hampton Inn and play than not play at all.

Also, can the Grand Forks airport handle team charters? Or, would they have to fly to Fargo and bus up?

If the arena is going to be a big TV studio, it may as well be one away from the worst of COVID-19. Grand Forks, ND meets that standard.

(04-06-2020 07:53 PM)johnintx Wrote:  

(04-06-2020 01:41 PM)IWokeUpLikeThis Wrote:  If they’re playing in Grand Forks, ND (near Winnipeg) I guess the plan is an area somewhat isolated from COVID-19.

If they're going to play in an empty arena, why not? The facility is up to snuff.

Hotels would be an issue, as the players would end up staying in hotels not up to NHL levels (more like where I stay when I travel for work). I'm sure they'd rather stay in a Hampton Inn and play than not play at all.

Also, can the Grand Forks airport handle team charters? Or, would they have to fly to Fargo and bus up?

If the arena is going to be a big TV studio, it may as well be one away from the worst of COVID-19. Grand Forks, ND meets that standard.

There have been NHL preseason games played in Grand Forks, as well as NBA preseason games. There have been many hotels built since the Ralph and Alerus Center were built, including the high rise Canad Inn, which is a part of of a high rated Winnipeg chain as well as 3* hotels. There are even boutique hotels going up downtown to help the burgeoning UAV industry there. Grand Forks meets many airline needs except passengers and connections. Routinely handles UND hockey and football charters.

Wayne Gretzky said the Ralph was the best rink he'd ever seen.