Western Michigan will host outdoor hockey game against Michigan
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The outdoor hockey craze is making its way to Kalamazoo.
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Western Michigan will host Michigan in a marquee college hockey game at Waldo Stadium on Jan. 30, WMU athletic director Dan Bartholome announced Thursday. It will be the first hockey game played at WMU's football stadium. Bartholomae said the game could draw 30,000 fans or more.
Talks have been ongoing for nearly two years, Bartholomae said, adding that Western Michigan wanted a regional nonconference opponent, but had to find a way to work outside of the college football window.
Western Michigan and Michigan are two of the top hockey programs in the nation, with the Broncos the defending Division I national champions, and the Wolverines playing in the Frozen Four later this month.
"It's going to be so cool," Bartholomae said Thursday. "We want this to be more than just a game.
"This is going to be awesome."
Bartholomae said ticket information will be released later this summer, with season-ticket holders, donors and students getting first priority. Bartholomae told The News on Thursday that he expects to the event to be a revenue generator for the athletic department. The event is being funded in part by a $250,000 grant from the state, secured in a partnership between Western Michigan and Discover Kalamazoo.
Bartholomae said the WMU-Michigan game could be the anchor for a week-long hockey "festival," and that there are discussions ongoing with various teams and leagues about participating, including the K-Wings and the Professional Women's Hockey League, among others. Nothing is finalized on that front yet.
Western Michigan has played three previous outdoor hockey games, including at Soldier Field in Chicago in 2015 and at Comerica Park in Detroit in 2013. This will be the first in Kalamazoo.
"We can't wait to bring another world-class event to the city of Kalamazoo," Western Michigan head coach Pat Ferschweiler said in a statement Thursday. "Not only is this a big moment for the Bronco hockey program, but for the entire state of Michigan. Being able to showcase two premier hockey programs on the national stage, while also hosting several other marquee events, is transformational.
"I know our players are excited for this opportunity."
Michigan is the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament this year, and will play Denver on April 9 in the national semifinals in Las Vegas. Denver eliminated Western Michigan, also a No. 1 seed, in the quarterfinals, 6-2.
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Western Michigan will host outdoor hockey game in Kalamazoo against Michigan