Michigan sold nearly 15,000 tickets on the first day of the public sale for the Dec. 11 Big Chill at the Big House at Michigan Stadium, the school announced Wednesday.
The school said 7,067 tickets were purchased in the first half-hour that tickets were made available to the general public on Wednesday. In the first two hours, the total reached 11,038.
There were more than 14,700 tickets sold by the close of the day, the school announced.
Combined with previous sales, nearly 80,000 tickets have been sold or allotted for the event, which would break the world record for attendance at a hockey game when Michigan plays Michigan State on a temporary rink at the Wolverines’ football stadium.
Michigan State holds the record, 74,544 at Spartan Stadium for a game against Michigan on Oct. 6, 2001.
Michigan Stadium holds 107,501 for football.
“The excitement generated today by the public demand for tickets to The Big Chill at the Big House only reinforces my belief that this hockey game is going to be a very special event,” Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said in a statement. “Until now, I could only imagine how it would be to have 80,000 fans watching the Wolverine hockey team at Michigan Stadium.
“Now that we have hit the 80,000 number, I am visualizing an opportunity to have over 100,000 in attendance. This would make the experience for the players and fans an extra special day they will remember for many years to come.”
Michigan has played in two outdoor games, including the Camp Randall Hockey Classic at Wisconsin on Feb. 6.
“I’m not surprised at the response from the Michigan community, whether it’s the hockey people or the alumni or people that are just interested in a once in a lifetime event,” Michigan coach Red Berenson said. “This has just taken off. You knew it would when you have something this special at the Big House — the first time ever, maybe the only time ever. Everybody wants to be there.
“I think we’ll be sold out before we know it. It’ll be a tough ticket to buy. People who are not sure better get their tickets now.”
