KALAMAZOO, Mich. – In-state rivals will collide at Waldo Stadium next season, as Western Michigan and Michigan will play in an outdoor game on January 30, 2027. 

"Western Michigan University is excited to bring another transformational moment to Kalamazoo and the entire Southwest Michigan community," Vice President/Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae said. "First – we look forward to hosting the University of Michigan and our entire community in a unique take on our long-standing hockey rivalry. We appreciate their support and the support of Discover Kalamazoo in helping this dream come to life.  We can't wait to see our entire community join the Lawson Lunatics in filling up Waldo Stadium for this one-of-a-kind experience.  And what is even better – we are transforming our stadium into a multi-day outdoor ice facility that can host several community partners and organizations over several days for what can truly be a united community effort.  This is an opportunity for the entire state of Michigan to celebrate the sport of hockey right here on WMU's campus." 

Though WMU has played multiple outdoor games in its history, this marks the first time Waldo Stadium will be the venue. Waldo opened in 1939 and is home to the Bronco football team, which won the Mid-American Conference and the Myrtle Beach Bowl in 2025. 

Western Michigan has played at Soldier Field in the Hockey City Classic (2015) and at Comerica Park in the Great Lakes Invitational (2013). The Broncos are 2-1-0 in outdoor games, including a win over the Wolverines in the opening round of the GLI in 2013. 

The Bronco Hockey program is in the best five-year stretch in school history. The Brown and Gold have won 131 overall games and 75 in NCHC play. Along with that, WMU has made five straight NCAA Tournaments and won the 2025 NCAA Division I National Championship. 

"We can't wait to bring another world-class event to the city of Kalamazoo," head coach Pat Ferschweiler said. "Not only is this a big moment for the Bronco Hockey program, but for the entire state of Michigan. Being able to showcase two premier hockey programs on the national stage, while also hosting several other marquee events, is transformational. I would like to thank Dan Bartholomae and all of his partners for making this happen. I know our players are excited for this opportunity." 

Ticket and special event information will be released later this summer. Please stay tuned to WMUBroncos.com for more information.