Frozen Diamond- Experience to Remember
Fans could see their breath as they were walking into the stadium. It was a brisk 28 degrees outside without the wind. It’s common for the weather to be that cold in Northeast Ohio around this time of year, however, walking into Progressive Field in the middle of January is not a common sight. With the exception of Snow Days, Progressive Field is usually closed up until the Indians start playing ball in April.
As the fans walked through the gates into Progressive Field on the brisk January Sunday afternoon, they knew they would not be able to see the infield or the green grass that has made the stadium a favorite since opening in 1994. The field was covered in snow and a hockey rink that stood from home plate to first base was what they were coming to see. The two teams that would play on the rink would be Ohio State and Michigan in one of the biggest rivalries in North America.
Taking my seat in section 157, I couldn’t see home plate as it was covered with snow but had a great view of the rink. I was situated behind one of the nets and it would be easy to see the plays develop when play finally started. It was similar to having seats behind the net at Quicken Loans Arena across the way but a little further back.
The crowd was equally divided as those wearing Scarlett and Grey hoped the Buckeyes would win while those chanting “Go Blue!” and wearing that color and yellow made their way into the stands. No matter which side you were on, excitement was in the air and photos were constantly being taken with phones and digital cameras all over the stadium. Neither team had come to warm up but the rink was constantly being photographed.
When warm up were done and starting lineups announced, a red carpet rolled out and former Buckeyes running back and Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin made his way to center ice. Griffin received a great reception from the Buckeye fans and after that, it was time to play hockey.
Watching the first several minutes of the first period felt like a dream. Most everyone in the section I was in couldn’t help but stand and look in awe at the action on the ice. It was a normal start to a hockey game but the fact it was outdoors and occurring in front of our eyes made it a beautiful sight.
Michigan took an early lead and dominated for the entire first period. Ohio State would get on the board in the second period but Michigan soon dominated after that. By the time the second period was over, Michigan was up 4-1.
The game may have been lopsided at this point but watching my favorite sport on an outdoor rink was still incredible. The game was not close but seeing the rink in front of me and watching the game I grew up to love was still an experience to remember. It was cold and I could still see my breath but I was watching the game I love.
As the third period started, the temperature had dropped to 25 degrees and snow balls started flying from different parts of the stands. There was plenty of snow in the stands and several sections started snowball fights with one another. Instead of flying baseballs, snow balls started being thrown from all areas of the stadium.
When the final horn sounded, my family and I made our up the aisle and started to walk to the car. We agreed it was an incredible experience to see an outdoor hockey game. The game my not have been close but we knew we experienced an incredible event.
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