The University of Denver Athletics Department, Colorado Rockies Baseball Club, Colorado College Athletics Department and National Collegiate Hockey Conference have announced that next season’s DU Pioneers-CC Tigers hockey game, scheduled for Feb. 20, 2016, will be staged at Coors Field in downtown Denver. Dubbed the “Battle on Blake,” this will be the first collegiate hockey game ever played at Coors Field and will mark the first time that DU and CC have faced off in an outdoor match.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be announcing this game, which we are very pleased to do in partnership with our longtime rivals Colorado College as well as the Colorado Rockies and NCHC,” says DU Athletic Director Peg Bradley-Doppes. “The Denver hockey program has a proud tradition and rich history, and this game will further add to the Pioneers’ legacy. This game at Coors Field will also add a new dimension to our storied rivalry with the Tigers, and we can’t wait to pack the park with college hockey fans in February.”
Located in Denver’s historic LoDo district, Coors Field has served as the Rockies’ home since 1995, during which time it has hosted a Major League Baseball All-Star Game (1998) as well as the World Series (2007). February’s DU-CC showdown will mark the first time a sport other than baseball will be played at the stadium competitively.”One of the great benefits of partnering with the NHL to host the Detroit Red Wings vs. Colorado Avalanche game at Coors Field on February 27, 2016, is the rare opportunity to invite two collegiate hockey teams to take advantage of the outdoor venue as well,” says Colorado Rockies Executive VP/Chief Operating Officer Greg Feasel. “Hosting DU and CC in their very first collegiate game outdoors and the first at Coors Field will be an exciting event for local fans and another first for our organization.”
This will be the third straight year in which at least one team from the NCHC has competed in an outdoor game. The Miami RedHawks skated in the Hockey City Classic at Chicago’s Soldier Field last season and the Western Michigan Broncos were a part of the 2013 Great Lakes Invitational, staged at Detroit’s Comerica Park.
“This event will provide an incredible atmosphere and life-enriching experience for student-athletes in Coors Field next February when Denver and Colorado College take the Gold Pan rivalry back to its roots while playing outside,” says NCHC Commissioner Josh Fenton.
More information on the “Battle on Blake,” including ticketing info, will be announced at a later date.