Michigan's "Big House" To Host A Hockey Game

Michigan's hockey team could play two outdoor games next year, one at Wisconsin's Camp Randall Stadium and the other at Michigan Stadium.

Michigan's executive associate athletic director Mike Stevenson says the Wolverines are considering a December 2010 game at Michigan Stadium. The football venue will seat about 108,000 after the $226 million renovation in complete.
"We've just started to evaluate and start gathering the details that would be necessary to plan for such a game," Stevenson said. "It's definitely something that (Michigan hockey coach) Red Berenson and (Michigan athletic director)Bill Martin are excited about."

"I hope so. I'd love to. I mean, that's a great event," Michigan head coach Red Berenson said.

Berenson, who is in his 25th season as the Wolverines head hockey coach, told the Michigan Daily that outdoor games are a growing trend in the sport.

According to Stevenson, their are two reasons why an outdoor hockey game is being considered at Michigan Stadium: "We will have completed the stadium by then, and this will allow us to honor the career of Red Berenson."

The outdoor hockey attendance record is 74,544, set when Michigan State hosted Michigan at Spartan Stadium on Oct. 6, 2001. Berenson was part of that experience and has wanted to do it at the Big House for quite some time. Michigan athletic officials feel the time is right.

Stevenson told The Ann Arbor News talks are concluding for a Wolverines-Badgers hockey game at Camp Randall Stadium on Feb. 6, 2010.

The talk around the OSG HQ water cooler is that would be way, way cool. You can bet the OSG crew will make the trip for that one. We hope the Detroit Red Wings consider playing a game there as well. That would be off the charts for the Winter Classic.

Photo Courtesy: Alan Warren/The Ann Arbor News