January 11, 2012 - 9:02pm
Report: NHL, Michigan in 'advanced discussions' regarding 2013 Winter Classic
BY MATT SLOVIN
According to a report from Yahoo! Sports, Athletic Director Dave Brandon is nearing an agreement with the National Hockey League that would bring the Winter Classic to the Big House.
If the game, typically slated for New Year's Day, were to be played in Ann Arbor, it would certainly set a new league single-game attendance record. Many speculate that the most logical matchup would pit the Detroit Red Wings against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In 2010, The Big Chill at the Big House attracted 113,411 fans to Michigan Stadium for a CCHA battle between Michigan and Michigan State. During that event, the rink was constructed around midfield, and a similar arrangement for the Winter Classic would be likely.
The game would be the latest in a slew of outdoor hockey games occurring nationwide. This weekend in Cleveland, Ohio, the Wolverines will take on No. 2 Ohio State at Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians. Though the stadium has a capacity of 43,441 — less than half that of the Big House — it was chosen because of its equal proximity to both universities.
According to Sports Business Daily, the 2013 Winter Classic will ‘break records,’ a statement that seems to support Ann Arbor's bid, because of the seating capabilities of the third largest stadium in the world and the largest in North America.
The report stated that an announcement would be made before the league's All-Star Game later this month, but Brandon was quoted as saying any confirmation at the moment would be “premature.”
