Michigan, WMU to Face Off in Outdoor Hockey Showdown

The two in-state rivals will play at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo in 2027.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:04am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a hockey game between the Michigan Wolverines and Western Michigan Broncos, with the players' movements and the stadium environment broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the teams' official colors.The upcoming outdoor hockey showdown between the Michigan Wolverines and Western Michigan Broncos will bring a dynamic, high-energy clash of in-state rivals to the historic Waldo Stadium.Today in Detroit

The Michigan Wolverines and Western Michigan Broncos will face off in an outdoor hockey game at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo on January 30, 2027. This will be the first outdoor hockey game held at Waldo Stadium, home of the Broncos football team. Michigan has played in 10 outdoor games, the most of any Division I program, while Western Michigan is coming off a 2025 NCAA Division I National Championship.

Why it matters

This outdoor hockey matchup between the two in-state rivals will generate excitement and interest in the sport, especially with Western Michigan's recent success and Michigan's extensive experience playing in outdoor games. It also provides an opportunity to showcase the hockey programs and the Waldo Stadium venue to a wider audience.

The details

The game will take place on January 30, 2027 at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Waldo Stadium is home to the Western Michigan Broncos football team, which won the Mid-American Conference and the Myrtle Beach Bowl in 2025. This will be the first time the stadium has hosted an outdoor hockey game.

  • The game will be played on January 30, 2027.
  • Michigan has played in 10 outdoor games, the most of any Division I program.
  • Western Michigan won the 2025 NCAA Division I National Championship.

The players

Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines hockey team, which has played in the most outdoor games of any Division I program with 10.

Western Michigan Broncos

The Western Michigan Broncos hockey team, which is coming off a 2025 NCAA Division I National Championship and has made five straight NCAA tournament appearances.

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What’s next

The game will be played on January 30, 2027 at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The takeaway

This outdoor hockey game between the Michigan Wolverines and Western Michigan Broncos will be a highly anticipated event, showcasing the talent and success of both programs while also providing an exciting experience for fans in a unique outdoor setting.