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     Michigan plays an outdoor hockey game at Wisconsin February 6th and the Wolverines have announced their own home game against Michigan State next December 11th-- "The Big Chill at the Big House", so it will be billed.  The NHL has now conducted three outdoor games on New Year's Day and all drew capacity crowds.  So it appears there is a market for such an endeavor.

     When Michigan State drew 75,000 fans back in 2001 I thought a big key was the time of year-- October.  Fans buying tickets months in advance knew most likely they would have a reasonably decent fall night to sit outdoors.  It turned out to be cold and the warm weather during the week made ice conditions iffy.  In fact the game nearly did not get played when officials could not get a consistent ice freeze.  But it all worked out and the show was great.

     But it was a hassle to stage the game.  Since then equipment has improved especially that used by the NHL.  But fans will have to buy tickets for the game in Ann Arbor next December realizing the weather could be fully "wintery."  Whether that will affect ticket sales or not remains to be seen.  Michigan has artificial turf so the transition to hockey won't do damage to a grass field.

     Michigan hopes to sell at least 80,000 tickets and is still working out details before making ticket announcements.  Suggestion-- make the tickets very affordable.  It's better to have a big crowd than empty seats for a few willing to pay.  Hockey is still a niche sport and in December the lure might turn a few people away if the price isn't right.  And since the game likely will be televised others who might buy tickets might opt to stay home and watch in warm comfort instead.