2013 Winter Classic: Putting Game in Big House Is Brilliant Idea

The Winter Classic continues to be a spectacular event for the NHL.

And it's only getting better.

Today, the University of Michigan board of regents approved renting Michigan Stadium for the 2013 Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs, and the NHL is expected to make the official announcement during news conferences on Thursday.

Keep in mind, Michigan Stadium holds approximately 110,000 people. For an event in the Winter Classic that is already gaining serious steam throughout the nation, you can bet playing it at Michigan Stadium in front of thousands of diehard Red Wings fans would make for a raucous environment.

Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard said on Wednesday, via MLive.com, "It's going to be quite the spectacle, being at the Big House, with 110,000 expected to be there. It'll be great for all of us.''

Howard isn't the only one buzzing about the prospect of the Winter Classic being played at Michigan Stadium.

Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said, "If it's going to happen it'll be very exciting. And to have something in this area of this magnitude will be great for the fans.''

The site would also allow for Maple Leafs fans to attend the action, with Toronto being just a drive away. In that sense, you could have a great display of team spirit overall as the Red Wings and Maple Leafs square up.

Lidstrom said:

"

It's Original Six, Toronto's not too far and people can drive in. It's close to Canada. It will be a great atmosphere. There are a lot of Red Wings fans and a lot of Toronto fans, so if it happens it'll be great.

"

You add in the fact that the Red Wings and Maple Leafs have played each other close this season, and we could have a competitive game in front of all those fans.

Every time I think the Winter Classic couldn't get any better, it does.