WINTER CLASSIC EVENT NEWS


 

NAIOP Winter Classic 2023: A Year-Round Celebration of Sport for Charity  

Published August 2023

The NAIOP Winter Classic, known for its exciting winter sports competitions, has evolved into a year-round celebration of athleticism and camaraderie. Since its inception, the event has gained popularity for its unique blend of competitive sports, industry networking and raising funds for charity.  In 2024, the NAIOP Winter Classic is set to expand its horizons, offering a series of sporting events that cater to a diverse range of interests. From skiing with industry icons in the spring, to hockey in the summer, and curling in the fall, participants and spectators alike are in for an action-packed year of thrilling sports and meaningful connections.

Spring 2023: Skiing with the Icons

Kicking off the NAIOP Winter Classic series this past spring, the Developing Leaders hosted the "Skiing with the Icons" event in early April with over 90 attendees. Set against the backdrop of picturesque A-Basin resort, this event featured a a day of exhilarating downhill action and collaborative camaraderie between the participants and invited industry "icons" Dean Barber of Confluent Development, Adam Fenton of NARRATE, Erick Hartzell with Brinkmann Constructors, Erin Little with BMC Investments, Marc Perusse of E2M Ventures, and Elizabeth Meyers with Kairoi Residential. Participants were able to not only showcase their skiing skills but also engage in valuable networking opportunities during lodge gatherings and après-ski activities. Proceeds from this event benefit the Developing Leaders (DL) programming and donations were also made to the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NCSD). NAIOP would like to thank our DL volunteer coordinators for planning a successful event to include Nick Behm, Clint Brown, Benjamin Gosz, Eileen O'Malley, John Rayburn and Rich Self

       

 

Summer 2023: Hockey Showdown

As the temperatures rise and the snow melts, the NAIOP Winter Classic transitions seamlessly into the "Hockey Showdown" and Majestic Realty Cup. This summer event takes the ice at The Ice Ranch in Littleton, bringing hockey enthusiasts to the forefront while raising funds for Children's Hospital Colorado Pediatric Cancer Research. On August 10th, 100 professionals from the commercial real estate sector traded in their suits for "Beer" themed jerseys and took to the rink to compete in an intense yet friendly hockey tournament. The results from the 2023 Winter Classic Hockey tournament were: JLL Keystone Light def. Cushman & Wakefield Coors Banquet 9-6; Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors Coors def. First Citizens Bank Pabst Blue Ribbon 6-4; Ringsby Realty Hamm's def. Wells Concrete Molson 10-4; and CoStar Old Milwaukee  def. CBRE Leinenkugel's 5-3. In addition to proceeds from the event registrations, an additional $4,000 in direct donations was raised to benefit Children's Hospital Colorado. The combined event proceeds from Hockey and Curling will be matched by Randy Hertel of Majestic Realty. The Chapter extends a heartfelt thank you to longtime Winter Classic Co-Chairs James Mansfield and Murray Platt for their leadership and tireless efforts championing this annual event. And special welcome to our incoming Hockey Co-Chairs Trevor Platt and Jeremy Kroner for 2024. 

 

Fall 2023: Masters of Curling on October 12

Embracing the crisp air and changing leaves of fall, the NAIOP Winter Classic culminates in the "Masters of Curling" event scheduled for October 12 at Denver Curling Club in Golden. Curling, known for its strategic gameplay and social nature, becomes the centerpiece of this autumn gathering. Industry leaders and newcomers alike form teams, each vying for the title of "Masters of Curling". Registration for this event opens soon. If you are interested in securing a team, please contact 2024 Curling Co-Chairs Annie Arnwine and Matt Lengel for details. 

Conclusion:

The NAIOP Winter Classic's evolution from a single winter event to a year-round celebration of sports and networking reflects the dynamism of the commercial real estate industry and willingness to contribute to the betterment of our community. Whether racing down the slopes, battling it out on the ice, or strategizing on the curling sheet, participants are sure to find the NAIOP Winter Classic a platform that embodies the spirit of competition, collaboration, and connection.

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NAIOP Winter Classic Events: Playing for a Cause

Submitted by James Mansfield and Murray Platt, Winter Classic Hockey Co-Chairs
Published  January 2022

 

NAIOP’s Winter Classic Hockey and Curling events are unlike any other in the wide range of annual NAIOP events.  While the Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge and Fight Night garner the headlines and bright lights, the Winter Classic is an inspirational event that tugs at one’s heartstrings like no other.  To understand the Winter Classic, you have to look deeper to see the mission and spirit of these unique events.

 

The Winter Classic Hockey and Curling are the only NAIOP events in which 100% of the proceeds are donated to charity.  Over the past eight years, NAIOP’s Winter Classic Hockey and Curling have raised in excess of $160,000 for Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. These unique and compelling events have forged a special bond with our Cup Sponsor, Majestic Realty and in particular, with Randall Hertel, Executive Vice President of Majestic who matches every dollar raised.  The foundation now is in excess of $2 Million-dollars.  

 

This year’s 8th Annual Winter Classic kicked off with the Curling Challenge on March 24, 2022 at the Denver Curling Club with 14 teams competing for the prized Majestic Cup.  For anyone that has been captivated by the USA’s 2018 Olympic gold medal team, and believes “heck, I could do that”, this annual event is a chance to don a curling sweater, show off your skills and talk like you are from Bemidji, Minnesota.  You-betcha. 

 

Teams from Prime West and Crosslands Companies beat out Brinkmann Constructors, Cushman & Wakefield and Confluent Development at this year’s “DodgeBall”, the movie themed event. Majestic Realty’s “Purple Cobras” team was named the best-dressed for their purple spandex attire. Over 90 attendees enjoyed a fun afternoon complete with taco truck, adult beverages and music provided by Alcorn Construction and Centennial Realty Advisors. A special thank you to all of our team sponsors for their participation.  

 

The Winter Classic Hockey Showcase is held in the heat of August and there are no scouts at this showcase, only has-beens, never-weres and wannabes…and every year it’s a sell-out.  Teams are at-large so if you haven’t put on the skates since your glory days, sign up and we will find you a spot on the fourth line.  Eight teams, each play a one-game, winner-take-all championship for a chance to drink from the Majestic Cup.  The jerseys are a surprise each year as the rotation has settled on Beer League theme.  We have found hockey players are not only loyal to their hometown teams, they are just as passionate to the memory of dad’s Schlitz, Hamm’s or Old Style, worn on their crest of the jersey.  

 

As cool as it is to face-off against your broker, developer or title rep, the best part of the Winter Classic is being a part of the Mission.  Last year, Jack, a six-year-old, skated with his dad and scored a five-hole game winner.  He was hugged by his dad and high fived by the boys.  It wasn’t until the post-game celly that Jack was introduced.  Two years earlier, Jack was diagnosed with cancer, faced treatment, and never gave up.  Thanks to the doctors, nurses and foundation at Children’s Hospital, he now plays mite hockey, skates like the wind and hangs with his pals.  The dreams of childhood are alive and well with NAIOP’s Winter Classic.     

 

In addition to the Winter Classic Hockey and Curling events, the NAIOP Colorado Developing Leaders (DLs) will host their Annual Winter Classic Skiing with the Icons on the slopes of A-Basin on April 7, 2022. The Skiing event proceeds benefit the National Sports Center for the Diabled - a world leader in creating and providing adaptive outdoor recreation experiences. Please consider grabbing your gear and joining the DLs for a one of a kind business networking event and skiing and snowboarding experience. Click here for more details or to register.  

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