You read it here first – months ago: And now it's official. The Gophers, who have played outdoors a few times in recent seasons, will host their own outdoor hockey events next January at TCF Bank Stadium on the U of M campus.
The University confirmed Tuesday (September 3) that plans have been finalized for the Hockey City Classic on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2014. The events will be capped by two outdoor games at the stadium: Gophers women against Minnesota State-Mankato in a WCHA tilt followed by the Gophers men hosting Ohio State in a Big Ten hockey clash.
Tickets will be $15, which will include both games. They go on sale Oct. 22. Requests for group tickets (20 or more) can be filed now at www.hockeycityclassic.com. Group orders will be filled prior to the Oct. 22 general ticket sale.
Both head coaches are pumped about the news.
Men's head coach Don Lucia: "Last year we had a phenomenal experience in Chicago. We came away from that and, looking at our stadium, were saying it's not a matter of if we host an outdoor game there but when."
The men's team hasn't hosted an outdoor game in over 80 years. Last year, the Gophers played in the Hockey City Classic event at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Women's head coach Brad Frost: "The Gopher women have never played an outdoor game in the modern era so we're really looking forward to this. It will be one of the major highlights in our players' college careers."
Organizers say they expect a sell-out crowd of around 50,000 for the games. A number of additional community events in and around the stadium will also be scheduled.
As reported here some time ago the idea for the games caught fire last winter after the Soldier Field events. One concern has been about weather. While no one expects balmy weather in Minnesota in January a couple of clear, sunny days in a row could wreak havoc with ice conditions. That's one reason the games will be played after dark.
