Michigan International Speedway has announced an outdoor amateur hockey tournament and a winter festival will be held over two weekends in January 2019 at the Speedway. The inaugural MIS Backyard Hockey Tournament and Winter Festival has been created to provide a unique experience for everyone.
The three-on-three and four-on-four hockey tournament will take place on Jan. 4 – 6 and Jan. 11 – 13, 2019. The backyard hockey rinks will be set up right on the tri-oval at Michigan International Speedway as fans will be able to enjoy a winter festival that will include food, beverages, and winter activities on pit road or enjoy the action from a suite.
The event’s first marketing partner, the Detroit Red Wings, are thrilled to support the event and Michigan youth and adult hockey. “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. “We’re proud to support these fun and competitive weekends on the racetrack rinks.”
The Jackson Area Hockey Association will assist in running the event.
The first weekend will see action from the following divisions: 8U, Squirt (10U), Pee Wee (12U), Bantam, Midget A, combine Midget AA and college age up to 20 years of age. The second weekend of the tournament will feature adult leagues.
“We are excited to host the inaugural MIS Backyard Hockey Tournament,” MIS President Rick Brenner said. “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.”
The announcements were make during a series of events kicking off the Consumers Energy 400 weekend this morning at MIS.
Teams will be able to sign up at www.mispeedway.com/hockey beginning August 15 to participate in all the action in January. The cost for the tournament is $450 per team. The deadline to register is October 15. Each team is guaranteed five games over the course of the weekend and up to eight games for the champion. Teams will be given a special ticket offer courtesy of the Detroit Red Wings.
The festival plans to include open skating and rink rental opportunities over the course of the event. More details will be announced in October.