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It's finally official. The long awaited outdoor game between WCHA rivals Wisconsin and Minnesota has been inked for Sunday, February 17, 2013.
The event, which will take place in Chicago at historic Soldier Field is expected to feature a double header with Miami (OH) and Notre Dame taking part in the other contest.
Mike Cerniglia, an assistant to UW athletic director Barry Alvarez confirmed to the Wisconsin State Journal Wednesday that UW had forwarded their signed copy of the contract. A tweet from Andy Baggot indicated that Minnesota had done the same.
The contest will be considered a home game for the Badgers, who are giving up a date at the Kohl Center for this event. Minnesota and Wisconsin will play Friday night at the Kohl Center, with a built in travel day Saturday before the border battle outdoor event on Sunday.
According to the WSJ report, Wisconsin is expected to receive between $200,000 and $250,000 for their part in the game. That's roughly what the University would pull in for gate revenue at a typical game at the Kohl Center.
The outdoor game will mark the final regular season contest between Wisconsin and Minnesota as members of the WCHA. Both teams will be a part of the Big Ten Hockey Conference starting in 2013.
Wisconsin has hosted two other outdoor games previous to the Soldier Field game. The Badgers hosted Ohio State at Lambeau Field in 2006, and Michigan at Camp Randall in 2010.
Both seasons saw Wisconsin eventually advance to the Frozen Four.
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