The Frozen Diamond Faceoff
On Thursday, Cleveland Indians president Mark Shapiro announced that Progressive Field will be the host of the 2011 Frozen Diamond Faceoff that will take place January 15, 2012 between Michigan and Ohio State. The match is a part of the Indians' Snow Days promotion, a two-month winter themed event that drew over 50,000 people in its first year. The Frozen Diamond Faceoff will be the first hockey game at Progressive Field in the ballpark's history and the first outdoor college hockey game in Ohio.
"Last winter, Indians Snow Days allowed over 50,000 Indians fans to create memories with their families,” Indians President Mark Shapiro said. “We are excited that the return of Indians Snow Days and the addition of the Frozen Diamond Faceoff will allow even more fans to create wintertime memories at Progressive Field.”
Last December, the Wolverines hosted Michigan State in "The Big Chill at the Big House," which drew over 100,000 fans. "We're looking forward to it," Michigan coach Red Berenson said. "It will be the first time I've ever been involved or a Michigan hockey team will be involved in an outdoor game in a baseball stadium. We've played in football stadiums before, and every one of these games takes on kind of a life of its own." UM's Director of Hockey Operations Josh Richelew also shared his thoughts on the match by saying, “It’s a great way to promote college hockey. There’s no better way than taking the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry and bringing it to a wonderful facility. This is one of the premier ballparks in the country. We’re very excited about it.” Ohio State's first outdoor game was held on Feb. 11, 2006, when they took on Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in Green Bay in front of more than 40,000 fans. "This is a great opportunity for our program and student-athletes," Ohio State head coach Mark Osiecki said. "I was involved with two outdoor games at Wisconsin and they really are something special for everyone involved. It's such a unique experience to play on an outdoor rink in front of so many fans."
Tickets to Indians Snow Days and The Frozen Diamond Faceoff will go on sale to the general public on Nov. 14. The puck will drop at 5:05 PM EST.