The NHL is inching closer to finalizing an agreement to play the 2013 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium, according to a report on Wednesday. The Detroit Red Wings have been the front-runners to host the next Winter Classic, with Michigan Stadium the desired location.
Winter Classic 2013: Michigan Reportedly In ‘Advanced Discussion’ To Host Game At Big House
The report comes from Puck Daddy’s Jeff Arnold, citing multiple sources near the negotiations.
One source, who spoke on a condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak on the matter, said Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon wasn’t initially sold on the idea of the NHL hosting an outdoor game at Michigan Stadium. But over a matter of a couple of weeks, the source said “something happened to make it go from looking like it could happen to [a point where] it probably will.”
Should an agreement be reached, the Red Wings would likely play the Toronto Maple Leafs at the stadium affectionately known as The Big House. Michigan Stadium seats upwards of 114,000 fans for football games, making it a potentially lucrative investment for both the NHL and the Wolverines.
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