Next year will bring new chapters of the Ohio State-Michigan college football rivalry: this time, it will take on NHL flair!
Columbus Blue Jackets will face Detroit Red Wings for the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 1, 2025, per an announcement by the League on Saturday.
The 102,780-seat Horseshoe Stadium first officially opened for play on October 7, 1922, when Ohio State took on Wesleyan University for an Ohio State vs. Wesleyan football game. It is considered the 12th oldest college football stadium in America.
Michigan and Ohio State’s rivalry dates back to 1897 and was commonly known as “The Game” between 1918 and 2019 before it was temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed immediately afterward.
Further details, including time and broadcast details, will be announced later.
It will mark the Columbus Blue Jackets’ first NHL outdoor game, while the Detroit Red Wings have played four and are undefeated in those contests, most recently competing at the Toronto Centennial Classic on January 1, 2017.
Detroit currently features three University of Michigan alums on its roster – Dylan Larkin, J.T. Compher, and Andrew Copp – while three Blue Jackets players – Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, and Zach Werenski all played at Michigan.
Red Wings hosted one of the highest-attended games ever held at Michigan Stadium for an NHL Winter Classic; more than 105,000 spectators turned out on New Year’s Day when Detroit lost in a shootout to Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 and played for their spot at Michigan. The record attendance reached 111,000 when Michigan Stadium hosted this historic contest!
Ohio Stadium currently ranks third-largest among college football stadiums nationwide according to the NCAA, with seating capacities for approximately 94,000 spectators on campus – trailing only Michigan Stadium (107601 seats) and Beaver Stadium on Penn State University’s campus, which holds 106672 fans.
Ohio Stadium is 180 miles from Michigan Stadium.
Ohio Stadium held the world record attendance with 110,045 in attendance during an Ohio State-Michigan football game played on November 26, 2016.
The NHL recently revealed that the Chicago Blackhawks will host the St. Louis Blues for the 2025 Discover NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field, Chicago, next season.
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