Friday, August 19, 2011

Ohio St., Michigan to meet outdoors



CLEVELAND -- The bitter Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is about to get really icy.

The two schools will play an outdoor hockey game at Progressive Field -- home of the Cleveland Indians -- on Sunday, Jan. 15. The matchup, dubbed "The Frozen Diamond Faceoff" is part of the Indians’ Snow Days promotion at the ballpark, a two-month winter-themed event that drew over 50,000 fans in its first year. The Buckeyes and Wolverines will play on a regulation-sized rink situated on the Indians’ infield.

The teams will meet in Columbus on Jan. 13 before playing the first outdoor college hockey game in Ohio history.

Last December, the Wolverines hosted Michigan State in "The Big Chill at the Big House," a game that drew more than 100,000 fans to Michigan’s mammoth football stadium.

The Frozen Diamond Faceoff will be the first hockey game in Progressive Field history and the first outdoor college hockey game in Ohio. The Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA)-sanctioned game will be the second of a two-game series between the two schools.

"Last winter, Indians Snow Days allowed over 50,000 Indians fans to create memories with their families,” Indians President Mark Shapiro said. “We are excited that the return of Indians Snow Days and the addition of the Frozen Diamond Faceoff will allow even more fans to create wintertime memories at Progressive Field.”

"An event at a venue like Progressive Field is great for both the institutions and the league as a whole," CCHA Commissioner Fred Pletsch said. "We’re looking forward to coming to Cleveland this January to see a terrific rivalry showcased in a distinctive and memorable setting.”

Tickets to Indians Snow Days and The Frozen Diamond Faceoff will go on sale to the general public on Nov. 14.

No comments:

Post a Comment