CLEVELAND — As it turns out, 'The Faceoff on the Lake' between the Ohio State and Michigan men's hockey teams won't be the only hockey game to be played at Cleveland's FirstEnergy Stadium next year. On Tuesday, Haslam Sports Group announced that the Cleveland Monsters and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins -- the top affiliates of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins, respectively -- will faceoff in the “Cleveland Monsters Outdoor Classic” at FirstEnergy Stadium at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
The game marks the first professional outdoor hockey game to take place in Cleveland. A 24-hour presale for Monsters Hockey Club Members; Browns and Columbus Crew Season Ticket Members and Waitlist Members; and HSG partners is currently underway, with tickets available to the public for purchase at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at clevelandmonsters.com/outdoorclassic.com or by calling 216-420-0000.
“We are thrilled to bring the spectacle of outdoor hockey to Northeast Ohio with the Cleveland Monsters Outdoor Classic at FirstEnergy Stadium,” said Mike Ostrowski, President of Franchise Properties for Rock Entertainment Group, which includes the Monsters and the NBA G League’s Cleveland Charge. “The home of the Browns will be a fantastic setting for this historic American Hockey League event, and we can’t wait to see fans from across the region gather at the lakefront to watch the Blue Jackets’ and Penguins’ stars of tomorrow battle on the outdoor ice.”
“Cleveland is a remarkable sports’ city, and the passion of fans in our region is at the heart of it,” HSG Chief Commercial Officer Eric Clouse added. “Along with the Browns, FirstEnergy Stadium has been home to the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Soccer Teams, local high school programs and many major concerts and events, and we know the Monsters and their great fans will bring exceptional energy to the venue during the city’s first professional outdoor hockey game.”
In addition to the "Faceoff on the Lake" and "Cleveland Monsters Outdoor Classic," FirstEnergy Stadium will serve as the host site for select OHSAA Sweet 16 ice hockey playoff games on Feb. 25-26 and Elite Eight matchups on Friday, March 3 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.