Ouimet's Bill for Big House Booze Paves Way for NHL Winter Classic

The Michigan House today approved legislation by state Rep. Mark Ouimet to allow hockey fans to purchase alcohol at Michigan Stadium during an outdoor game between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs.

House Bill 5611, introduced by Ouimet, allows the National Hockey League to receive a temporary liquor license for its Winter Classic 2013.  The NHL agreed to rent the stadium for the event on the condition that alcohol could be served.

"The NHL's Winter Classic has quickly become a premier event in the sporting world, and it promises to have a tremendous economic benefit for the entire area," said Ouimet, R-Scio Township.  "More than 100,000 people will contribute to our local economy by patronizing our restaurants, staying in our hotels and purchasing other goods and services."

The nationally televised, outdoor hockey game takes place Jan. 1, 2013.  The game could break a Guinness World Record as the most-attended hockey game ever.  The current record was set at the stadium in 2010 when 104,173 attended a Michigan State-Michigan hockey game.

"Michigan Stadium already is one of the most recognized sporting facilities in the United States, and the Winter Classic will help elevate its status to a whole new fan base, both in this country and in Canada," Ouimet said.

HB 5611, approved with a bipartisan vote, now moves to the Senate for consideration.

(This press release was sent by Rep. Ouimet's staff)