Michigan Stadium approved for NHL Winter Classic

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ho ... 2447.story

The University of Michigan Board of Regents has approved the licensing of Michigan Stadium for the NHL Winter Classic.

Wednesday's special meeting moved the game closer to being a reality on Jan. 1, 2013, with a backup date of Jan. 2 in Ann Arbor, Mich.

“It's a great win for everybody,” regent Andrea Fischer Newman said during a teleconference.

The game reportedly will be between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. Though a contract has not been finalized, Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon is pleased to be one step closer to a resolution.

“The whole process has been far more complicated than I ever would have dreamed possible,” Brandon said.

The NHL is offering to pay $3 million to the university to license the stadium. The university would give the NHL use of Michigan Stadium from Dec. 1, 2012, until mid-January 2013.

The league will take control of ticketing and parking. The school and the NHL will work together on game-day operations. On game day, the university will use one of its 12 one-day liquor licenses allowed by the state.

In addition, Brandon said the NHL will give “significant contributions” to fund student scholarships at the university through its charitable foundation.

Two news conferences are scheduled for Thursday. The first at 10:30 a.m. EST at Comerica Park, the second at 1:15 p.m. EST at Michigan Stadium.

In.

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