By Rick Cassano

Staff Writer

OXFORD — Miami University is sacrificing a home game for the right to play outdoor hockey at Soldier Field in Chicago.

It’s a trade definitely worth making, according to RedHawks coach Enrico Blasi.

“I think it’s well worth the opportunity and experience for our players, our program, our alums and all of our fans,” he said. “Once we got all the details worked out, it was pretty much a no-brainer.”

The inaugural Hockey City Classic, an outdoor doubleheader featuring Miami vs. Notre Dame and Minnesota vs. Wisconsin, will be held Sunday, Feb. 17. Game times will be announced at a later date.

The Classic was formally introduced at a press conference in Chicago on Wednesday afternoon. It’s being organized by Chicago-based sports and entertainment marketing agency Intersport, in partnership with Soldier Field and the Chicago Park District.

Blasi said Miami was approached about being a part of the Classic more than a year ago.

“It’s a great event, a historic building, and we’re just thankful to be a part of it,” Blasi said. “We have such a big alumni base in Chicago. It’s a great city, and we have four pretty good Division I hockey teams involved.”

The RedHawks will host Notre Dame at Steve Cady Arena on Feb. 15 before meeting the Fighting Irish again on the 17th.

The outdoor game will count in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association standings.

Classic tickets will go on sale to the general public Oct. 1 through Ticketmaster.com. Miami season ticket holders will have the opportunity to buy tickets in an exclusive presale. MU will contact those individuals with information.

The Classic will be preceded by two weeks of winter festivities, including two free days of public skating; youth, high school and adult hockey events; and private ice rentals.

Fans can register for event updates at www.hockeycityclassic.com.