Big Chill game to top 80,000 fans

Michigan Press Release

With more than 14,700 tickets sold on the first day of the public sale Wednesday, nearly 80,000 tickets have been sold or allotted for "The Big Chill at the Big House" presented by Arby's, the outdoor ice hockey game between Michigan and Michigan State scheduled for Dec. 11 at Michigan Stadium.

That total would break the current world record for attendance at an ice hockey game, exceeding the crowd of 74,544 when Michigan and Michigan State played Oct. 6, 2001, at Spartan Stadium.

In the first half hour that tickets were made available to the general public (8:30-9 a.m.), 7,067 tickets were purchased. The total reached 11,038 tickets by 10:30 a.m.

"The excitement generated today by the public demand for tickets to The Big Chill at the Big House only reinforces my belief that this hockey game is going to be a very special event," said Dave Brandon, U-M Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "Until now, I could only imagine how it would be to have 80,000 fans watching the Wolverine hockey team at Michigan Stadium.

"Now that we have hit the 80,000 number, I am visualizing an opportunity to have over 100,000 in attendance. This would make the experience for the players and fans an extra special day they will remember for many years to come."

Michigan will be the first collegiate hockey team to play in three outdoor games. In addition to the game in East Lansing, the Wolverines recently played in the Camp Randall Hockey Classic on Feb. 6, 2010, at Wisconsin.

"I'm not surprised at the response from the Michigan community, whether it's the hockey people or the alumni or people that are just interested in a once in a lifetime event," said Red Berenson, U-M ice hockey head coach. "This has just taken off. You knew it would when you have something this special at the Big House - the first time ever, maybe the only time ever.

Everybody wants to be there. I think we'll be sold out before we know it. It'll be a tough ticket to buy. People who are not sure better get their tickets now. It's just another example of the loyalty and the support of the overall Michigan community."

To purchase tickets, visit MGoBlue.com/tickets or call the U-M Athletics Ticket Office (734-764-0247 or 866- 296-6849). End zone tickets are priced at $15 per ticket. For orders of 15 tickets or more, a group rate of $10 per ticket applies.

TheBigChillAtTheBigHouse.com