Report: Michigan Stadium to Host NHL's Winter Classic

(WJBK) - The Detroit Red Wings will play host to the Toronto Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium during the NHL's annual Winter Classic, according to a report.

The Macomb Daily reports that two news conferences are set announce the decision - one at Michigan Stadium and another at Comerica Park. The game is scheduled for Jan. 1, 2013, according to the report.

The report also says Comerica Park will host an American Hockey League game between the Grand Rapids Griffins and Toronto Marlies and be the site of the annual Great Lakes Invitational.

During a special meeting on Wednesday the University of Michigan Board of Regents unanimously approved a rental plan for the stadium. Regent Denise Ilitch, whose father, Mike Ilitch, owns the Detroit Red Wings, recused herself from voting.

U-M athletic director Dave Brandon said, "we are still in the process of finalizing a contract, but it's great to know that we're now authorized to enter into that arrangement. It's going to be an exciting opportunity for us to host a huge event."

Buffalo, Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have all hosted the Winter Classic, but the crowd for a game at Michigan Stadium would likely draw the league's largest crowd.

The Wolverines and rival Michigan State attracted a Guinness World Record 104,173 people for a hockey game on Dec. 11, 2010.

- The Associated Press contributed to this report