​UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN BUCKET LIST
I was not raised a hockey fan. I grew up in a suburb of Los Angeles where the only hometown sports team that matters is the Lakers. I'm not even sure my local high school had a hockey team. The cool kids surfed and played volleyball or water polo. I did attend one hockey game in elementary school: an Anaheim Ducks game with my dad. I don't remember very much of the game, except that it was loud and violent.
So it doesn't surprise me that it took me four years to get to a Michigan hockey game. Despite hearing from hockey-crazed friends that the games were a blast, I was slow to purchase tickets. But let me tell you, I'm so glad I did!
I texted some close friends and purchased six tickets for $10 each with a special coupon. While the seats weren't in the student section, I didn't feel we were separated from the excitement of Yost Ice Arena. Get a sense of the energy by listening to this clip:
MICHIGAN HOCKEY GAME
8 things you might not know about the history of Yost Ice Arena:
1. It was built in 1923 and originally called the Yost Field House because multiple sports were played there, including track, football, basketball, baseball, and boxing.
2. In the original building, the main area was a large open space with a dirt floor, measuring 300' x 160'. Room for 7,500 spectators was constructed along the edges of this space.
3. The total cost to construct the Yost Field House in 1923 was $563,168.
4. The original building also had locker rooms, showers, a training-room and equipment room facilities, along with a boiler to keep the space warm in the winter.
5. Before the Crisler Center was built in 1967, the varsity basketball team actually competed there.
6. The Field House was renamed Yost Ice Arena when it was remodeled in 1973.
7. Since 1973, Yost has been renovated five additional times: 1992, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2012.
8. The 2012 rennovation cost $14 million and restored the windows throughout. Seating, the press box, and concessions were also updated.
There wasn't a bad seat in the house. The game (v. American International) was fast-paced. Like Michigan football, the student section was coordinated and always cheering on the team. Michigan picked up a quick lead. Some fans showed their enthusiasm for the goal more than others. Check out this sound bite of an eager fan, followed by one of the classic Michigan fight song.
Overall, this game was the perfect way to spend a Friday night with friends. The game was at 7:30, giving us plenty of time to grab dinner beforehand. That night, I learned more about the sport, got to experience the thrilling atmosphere of collegiate hockey, and enjoyed the newly rennovated arena (more on that below).
I have now crossed "hockey" off my list of Michigan sporting events. I've attended football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. I can't encourage students enough to go to Michigan games. All Division I sports (with the exception of football, basketball, and hockey) are FREE to students, so take advantage and cheer on your fellow students. They are talented competitors and so fun to watch.
You can buy hockey tickets here.
