Shawn e-mails to alert us to breaking news about Hockey at Lambeau Field:
Lambeau Field will be the site of a college hockey game next February, the team announced today. The historic field will be converted into an outdoor ice hockey stadium for the Frozen Tundra Hockey Classic, featuring the Wisconsin Badgers skating against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
"The Packers organization is honored to join two outstanding collegiate hockey programs in creating a new chapter in the history of Lambeau Field," said John Jones, Packers Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "Wisconsin and Ohio State have produced many great football players for the Packers and the NFL. Now the Badger and Buckeye hockey players get a chance to compete on Lambeau Field."
The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Feb. 11, 2006.
"Two outstanding collegiate hockey programs" is a bit over the top, don't you think? We're talking about THE Ohio State here. At last spring's NCAA Regional at Mariucci, THE Ohio State hockey team's appearance generated such excitement on campus that at least eleven of the university's 58,000 some students actually bothered to make the trip. The school does not exactly have a rich hockey tradition by any means.
"Our goal was to create special events like this at Lambeau Field ever since the stadium renovation was completed nearly two years ago," Jones said. "The Frozen Tundra Hockey Classic will bring a mid-winter economic boost to the Green Bay area as we showcase collegiate hockey on football's hallowed ground.
"The game itself will be the highlight of a weekend of ice-related activities at Lambeau," Jones said. "We're currently exploring a number of options for the Frozen Tundra weekend. We're considering skills clinics for youth hockey players and other possibilities for the general public." The game will also serve as the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Benefit Game, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the Hall of Fame.
I'm guessing the extent of the "ice-related activities" in Green Bay in February will be ice fishing and putting ice in the many thousands of drinks sure to be consumed.
Jones adds that a February hockey game at the renovated stadium is a natural fit. "Lambeau Field will be buzzing with activity, much like Packers game days," Jones said. "We're expecting a real festival atmosphere. Fans can enjoy the food and refreshments at the concessions stands, while taking in the fast-paced action on the ice."
Yes, the fans certainly will be "buzzing" as they are at Packer games. What the hell is a "real festival atmosphere" anyway? This is supposed to be college hockey not a Phish concert.
The portable rink will be set up on the north half of Lambeau Field. Total seating of 38,000-40,000 is expected for the game, including indoor club seats and private boxes. Portable bleachers will be placed on the field at the south end of the rink.
40K at an outdoor college hockey game? Even though half the crowd is likely to be soused and confused Packer fans bellowing, "Where's Bret Favre?", that could be a lot of fun. Sigh. If only we had a competent Hockey Commissioner, Minnesotans might be able to enjoy such a contest too. Enough is enough, Governor Pawlenty. It's time for new blood.
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