Outdoor hockey is coming to Soldier Field for the first time in the venue’s legendary history. On Feb. 17, 2013, Soldier Field will play host to the inaugural Hockey City Classic – an outdoor college hockey doubleheader featuring premier programs: University of Notre Dame vs. Miami University and University of Minnesota vs. University of Wisconsin. Game times will be announced at a later date.
The Hockey City Classic will be preceded by two weeks of winter festivities, including: two days of free public ice skating; youth, high school and adult hockey events; private ice rentals; and much more. The Hockey City Classic is being organized by Chicago-based sports and entertainment marketing agency Intersport, in partnership with Soldier Field and the Chicago Park District.
Obviously, this game will have implications on more than just the Golden Gophers versus the Badgers and the Fighting Irish versus the Red Hawks. The ambassador from the Chicago Blackhawks, Denis Savard, and team vice president Jay Blunk were on hand today to discuss the event. This will obviously serve as a dry run for the Blackhawks possibly hosting the NHL Winter Classic again. Unlike in 2009, when it was the home of the Chicago Cubs, the next time will be the home of the Chicago Bears.
“As a Chicago-based company, Intersport could not be more proud to launch the first-ever outdoor college hockey event in the great City of Chicago,” Charlie Besser, President & CEO of Intersport, said. “Chicago is Hockey City! More fans attend hockey games in this city than in any other. Chicago is the perfect place, February is the perfect time and Soldier Field and the Chicago Park District are the perfect partners. Chicago, the Hockey City, will love to see four great college hockey programs collide on the lakefront and we are proud to bring this event to our hometown.”
“This attraction will offer something for everyone,” Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Michael Kelly said. “In addition to hockey fans experiencing an unprecedented event at historic Soldier Field, the general public will have the unique opportunity to skate on the rink during the free public programming.”
“It’s a great thrill for Notre Dame to play our first outdoor game in Chicago at historic Soldier Field,” Notre Dame head coach Jeff Jackson said. “With so many Irish fans, alumni and current players hailing from the Windy City, it will be a homecoming of sorts. Joining three other great hockey programs at this event will create a tremendous day of college hockey for the great hockey fans of Chicago.”
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Chicago Tribune.com, Fox Sports, MSN, Walter Football and Yardbarker
A Fulbright scholar and MBA, Banks has appeared on live radio all over the world; and he’s a member of the Football Writers Association of America, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and Society of Professional Journalists. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too