Here's a crazy proposal: The Winter Classic at the Sphere

The NHL needs a boost in its Winter Classic. Its ratings have sagged in the past three iterations, leaving fans turned off by the dying spectacle. Look at where the event stood ratings-wise with the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken being the last.

Compare that to the 2014 installment between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings (4.40 million) in Ann Arbor and it's alarming. It doesn't help that you're going up against college football, where ESPN has an iron grip. Therefore, it's out of the question that Bettman and company can turn to Disney for airing the game.

With the ratings spiraling down a drain, it's time for a drastic measure. What can the NHL do to restore faith in the event? What can draw eyeballs back to hockey's marquee event, creating public interest? Should Bettman put in the Chicago Blackhawks for the sixth time, only for fans to watch them lose again?

Well, dear reader. Here's a controversial idea that won't happen anytime soon. But it's something that could be done to get the NHL in the public's good graces regarding New Year's Day. No, it isn't moving the event a day earlier. That wouldn't help much, considering college football will have its playoff anyway. No, Bettman and company must go more radical with this event.

Have the Winter Classic at the Sphere

Want to make the heads of 31 other fanbases (and some in Las Vegas) explode? Have the Winter Classic in the Sphere. The NHL hosted a successful NHL Draft there this past year, with fans from different parts of North America flocking to Las Vegas. After all, it's fitting that the league would give the Vegas Golden Knights such a game. Sure, fans won't be on board with the idea. But who cares when you have so much money to throw at it?

Now, this idea won't likely happen anytime soon because of a couple of factors. First, the Sphere has a capacity of 18,600 seats. That pales compared to venues like Wrigley Field (41,649) and T-Mobile Park (47,943). Second, it's not an outdoor game. The spectacle automatically loses its appeal if it's not in the crispy air of an outside atmosphere. Therefore, hockey purists have their heads blown.

That also comes back to the problem of Las Vegas hosting an outdoor game. Allegiant Stadium is indoors and wouldn't be considered. The new Athletics ballpark is also in the same boat and wouldn't be considered. As for Sam Boyd Stadium? Well, it's a possibility. However, the stadium's future is unknown due to a change in ownership. Who knows what will happen with UNLV's old home?

I know what you're probably asking: Why bother with this event at Las Vegas's shiny new toy if it'll be a potential flop? Wouldn't that take the mystique out of the event and upset all the snowbirds from Michigan and Minnesota?

It's so crazy, it might work!

The NHL should bite and take a chance with making the Sphere the next Winter Classic destination because of how unorthodox it is. Try something unconventional and add outdoor elements to the venue. It will be remembered as an instant classic if everything goes right, down to the cold, frigid temperatures. Who knows? Maybe intermission performances by The Killers and Usher will capture some eyeballs.

The spectacle would be brought to life with breathtaking visuals, artificially bringing an outdoor aesthetic to the game. Imagine you're out watching an actual outdoor game instead of a baseball or football stadium. All you see are vast trees barren of leaves with a hint of white noise. That would create the ultimate viewing experience for NHL fans everywhere.

It's time to bring excitement and pizzazz back to the Winter Classic. People are quickly losing interest and are focusing on the College Football Playoff. The NHL must make a bold move that'll bring them away from their opponents. That's why they should dabble in the Las Vegas pot again, even if it's unconventional.