Outdoor hockey coming to Michigan International Speedway in January

By @MichaelCaples –

This January, MIS will be turned into outdoor hockey rinks.

The Michigan International Speedway announced today that for two weekends in the first month of 2019, the trick will host its inaugural ‘MIS Backyard Hockey Tournament and Winter Festival’ in the tri-oval.

With the assistance of the Detroit Red Wings and the Jackson Area Hockey Association, MIS will host tournaments on Jan. 4-6 and Jan. 11-13 on rinks set up right on the tri-oval at the famed speedway. Fans will be able to enjoy a winter festival that will feature food, beverages and winter activities on pit road or watch the action from a suite.

“Backyard hockey rinks dot the state of Michigan from down river to the east and west sides and in the U.P.,” said Chris Granger, Group President, Sports & Entertainment, Ilitch Holdings, Inc., in a press release. “We’re proud to support these fun and competitive weekends on the racetrack rinks.”

The first weekend will have “8U, Squirt (10U), Pee Wee (12U), Bantam, Midget A, combine Midget AA and college age up to 23 years of age” divisions, while the second weekend will be for adult leagues.

“We are excited to host the inaugural MIS Backyard Hockey Tournament,” MIS President Rick Brenner said in the release. “This unique experience is another opportunity to contribute to the facilities economic impact in Michigan. We look forward to celebrating the game of hockey right here at NASCAR’s most entertaining track.”

More info can be found at www.mispeedway.com/hockey