The sight of 100,000-plus Wolverine fans isn’t a rarity in the Big House.

But imagine if those fans were chanting the now-infamous "C-ya" chant.

Michigan State has hosted an outdoor hockey game and one will happen next year at Wisconsin, so why not Michigan?

The University is close to Hockeytown, home of the Red Wings, located in a state that loves hockey and has rabid support from a loyal fanbase.

“(The athletic department is) talking about it,” Michigan coach Red Berenson said. “Nothing will happen before the (football) stadium is finished in 2010. But they’re definitely talking about it, with things going in that direction with these outdoor games."

The Badgers will likely break the record for attendance at a hockey game, tentatively set for Feb. 6, 2010, when they host the Wolverines. Michigan State currently holds the record, jamming 74,544 into Spartan Stadium for a game against Michigan back in 2001. Camp Randall Stadium in Madison seats 80,321.

If Wisconsin breaks the record, and with the Big House soon to again hold the title of "largest football stadium in the country," no one would be able to break the record should Michigan fill up its stadium for a hockey game.

The support from the Michigan hockey team is certainly there.

“I believe that Michigan people will not let anybody else have their record,” Michigan assistant coach Mel Pearson said. “I think they will support it to make sure that we prove that we’re the leaders and best, and we will fill that place and establish the record.”

Michigan coach Red Berenson said he'd love to coach in an outdoor atmosphere, and sophomore forward Aaron Palushaj called the prospect of playing in front of 110,000 Michigan fans “awesome.”

Plans wouldn’t necessarily be just Michigan versus some other college opponent — it could include the entire hockey community. Perhaps a Red Wings game a few hours after the college game could add to the excitement, especially against a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs, which would draw support from both Michigan and nearby Canada.

“It’s such a neat atmosphere to play outdoors,” Pearson said. “Hockey started outdoors. It’s a sport meant to be played outdoors. Getting that many people into a stadium to watch a hockey game, just being outdoors, it would be a great experience for the players and the fans.”

Added Berenson: “Even the Red Wings brought it up. I was reading an article in Toronto and they said, 'Well if they have an outdoor game, they should have it at the Big House.' But I think it will (happen).”

Michigan State became the first team to hold a hockey game outside in 2001, followed by the NHL’s Winter Classic, which has been held annually in Buffalo, N.Y., Edmonton, Alberta and Chicago, respectively. All four events sold out.

But each of them had their own problems. Michigan State scheduled its game in early October, which could have been a major problem had the weather been warm. In fact, weather is the most important variable involved. Should it be unseasonably warm, the ice will melt and compromise game conditions.

But in Buffalo, the snowy weather and freezing cold conditions required the ice to be cleaned constantly. Even the referees' whistles froze.

The Winter Classic in Chicago this January had terrible sight lines and the glare of lights on the ice made it difficult for fans to see. Similarly, fans at the top of the Big House will find it nearly impossible to find the puck.

There are also a slew of logistical issues surrounding the game, all of which seem solvable.

For one, the event couldn’t be held until the stadium renovation is completed in 2010. An outdoor hockey game would make an excellent addition to the inaugural season of the new Michigan Stadium.

“We’ll see,” said Berenson when asked if the game could be held right after construction is finished. “But I’ve supported it from day one. Any time anyone asked me would you would like to have a game at the Big House, absolutely. But it's about scheduling, it's about the field…with the field turf now, it is a possibility.”

There’s also the cost. Pearson estimated that setup and preparation for the game would cost $500,000-$600,000.