Penguins vs. Flyers outdoor game possible in 2017?

From our Flyers blog Broad Street Hockey, it seems like a potential Penguins vs. Philadelphia outdoor game could be happening in a few years, according to some talk from the eastern side of PA.

At a recent Philly season ticket holder meeting, Flyers Chief Operating Officer Shawn Tilger "said flyers/pens at penn state 2016-2017 season. Pitching to league 50th anniversary of 1967 expansion teams".

BSH added:

An outdoor game between the teams at the most neutral of Pennsylvania sites -- Beaver Stadium in State College -- has been rumored forever, but this is the first we've heard of an actual plan for the game like this.

Only question remaining: Would this be the New Years' Day Winter Classic game, or just a lesser event as part of the Stadium Series? You'd think the NHL (and NBC) would want Flyers-Penguins in its signature event on January 1, but I guess we'll see what happens.

I would certainly think the Winter Classic would make sense for such an occasion. Perfect venue, perfect opponents. Logistically it would seem like a lot still has to be hashed out, including dealing with Penn State who reportedly isn't too thrilled about a hockey rink setup on their field, but who knows. Maybe after seeing no adverse effects at Michigan it will help convince them that the NHL won't ruin their surface.

It will be interesting to watch and see how it unfolds, but it seems like on January 1, 2017 we could see a pretty unique and interesting matchup of the Pennsylvania teams in State College.