(Image Source: Detroit Free Press)

BY ANDREW CARTER

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

The NHL’s big game is headed to the big house. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced Thursday morning the 2013 Winter Classic will showcase the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. WXYZ reports.

“The biggest game in hockey’s regular season is coming to hockey town west. The NHL’s 2013 Winter Classic is so big it is going to be played at the big house in Ann Arbor. Yeah this is going to be huge you know that.”

The attendance record for a hockey game is 113,411 set at Michigan Stadium in 2010. Yahoo! Sports reports this battle between two original six franchises could surpass that number.

“...Bettman ... predicted the 2013 Winter Classic would be on pace to shatter that record … For anyone wondering if the bloom's off the Winter Classic rose as far as hype and attention from casual viewers, "SEE A WORLD ATTENDANCE RECORD SHATTERED" is a pretty easy sell.

The Winter Classic is an annual event started in 2008. It’s clear fans love it, and ESPN’s Doug Gottleib gives the NHL credit for the idea.

“NFL kind of the end of the season, what do we do? Somebody goes, why don’t we play outside? Yeah where we gonna put them? Put them in a football stadium. You know, Jimmy’s on to something.”

The news of the game is big for the sports world, but Detroit Free Press columnist Drew Sharp explains its impact on the city of Detroit.

“Hosting the next NHL Winter Classic on Jan. 1, 2013, is another opportunity for this city to pop a little optimistic light through the darkness of its economic malaise.”

Aside from the game there is more news for fans. The New York Times reports for one day, alcohol will be served at Michigan Stadium.

“Two temporary changes will be coming to Michigan Stadium for the Winter Classic: alcohol and advertising. Michigan’s campus is dry, meaning a special temporary liquor license will be obtained for the game.”

Hype will be building around this historic match-up as the Red Wings and Maple Leafs rivalry dates back to 1926, and the two teams have combined for 24 Stanley Cups.