You build it and they will come! A hockey rink now sits in the middle of Camp Randall Stadium and the University of Wisconsin was hoping to set a world attendance record for an outdoor hockey game. It doesn’t look like that’s going to happen tomorrow in Madison, but that won’t take anything away from the event itself.
The Badger women will face off against Bemidji State at 2pm and the Badger men will take on Michigan at 5pm in the hockey doubleheader at Camp Randall Stadium.
Michigan and Michigan State hold the outdoor record when 74,544 fans showed up to see the Wolverines and Spartans skate to a 3-3 tie at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan in 2001.
Camp Randall can seat 80,321, but the numbers are expected to fall well short of that. Barring a huge walk-up crowd, the two games will draw somewhere between 50,000 and 60,000 fans.
But don’t think that will take away from the fun and excitement of the event. And it’s not just hockey either. There’ll be a public skate, viewing of the Stanley Cup, interactive skills and a warming area on game day that will feature live music and plenty of good food.
If you’re one of those people considering a trip to Madison, there’s room for you and tickets available. Check the Badgers website and they have plenty of traffic and parking information for you.
Beyond the fan experience, there’s some great hockey to view as well. The Badger men are the 3rd ranked team in the country and are right in the thick of the race for the WCHA regular season title.
Wisconsin lost to Michigan 3-2 earlier this season in Ann Arbor. Coach Mike Eaves says that result should make for an outstanding match-up on Saturday at Camp Randall.
[Bill Scott previews the Camp Randall Hockey Classic 2:00]
AUDIO: Bill Scott previews the Camp Randall Hockey Classic 2:00