The recent success of the NHL's outdoor game in Buffalo, NY, got the attention of the NBA. The hockey game between the Penguins and Sabres drew rave reviews, high ratings, and over 70,000 fans.
"Why can't we do the same? We are a much more popular league than the NHL ,so the results should be at least equal or greater," said NBA official, Pat Wiser.
The league has decided to hold an outdoor game next February around Valentine's Day at Chicago's Soldier Field between the Bulls and Lakers. When asked why the game would not be played during a warmer weather month Wiser responded,"You saw what the wind and snow did for the ratings in Buffalo last week?"
Players will not be permitted to wear anything more than their official team uniform of shorts and tank top jerseys.
"It'll be &%#*ing cold," said the Lakers Kobe Bryant. "I played a summer league game there once with the wind so strong that one of my three-point shots ended up in my own basket."
The wind is expected to be the biggest factor, reducing the scoring by at least 40 percent. However, snow could change the game entirely, as a hardwood court will be placed on the 50-yard line of the field. "A wet, snowy, wood court could make the game have a final score in the single digits," said Wiser. Wiser is credited with creating the wildly successful 2002 NBA game that was played on roller blades between the Knicks and Spurs.
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