Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn to Host Hockey Tournament

Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn (south of Jackson), NASCAR’s fastest racetrack, will host the inaugural MIS Backyard Hockey Tournament and Winter Festival in the tri-oval for two weekends in January.

The three-on-three and four-on-four tournament will take place Jan. 4-6 and 11-13. The backyard hockey rinks will be set up on the tri-oval, and the festival will include food, beverages, and winter activities on pit road. Guests can also enjoy the event from a suite.

The Detroit Red Wings is the event’s first marketing partner, and the Jackson Area Hockey Association will assist in running the event.

“Backyard hockey rinks dot the state of Michigan from Downriver to the east and west sides and in the U.P.,” says Chris Granger, group president of sports and entertainment for Ilitch Holdings Inc., which owns the Red Wings. “We’re proud to support these fun and competitive weekends on the racetrack rinks.”

Adults will play during the second weekend, while the first weekend will feature youth up to the age of 20. Youth divisions include 8U, Squirt (10U), Pee Wee (12U), Bantam, Midget A, combine Midget AA, and college age up to 20.

“We are excited to host the inaugural MIS Backyard Hockey Tournament,” says Rick Brenner, president of Michigan International Speedway. “This unique experience is another opportunity to contribute to the facilities’ economic impact in Michigan. We look forward to celebrating the game of hockey right here at NASCAR’s most entertaining track.”

Teams can sign up here beginning Aug. 15, and the tournament costs $450 per team. The deadline to register is Oct. 15. Each team is guaranteed five games over the course of the weekend and up to eight games for the championship. Teams will be given a special ticket offer courtesy of the Detroit Red Wings.

Michigan International Speedway will make announcements regarding open skating and rink rental opportunities later this year.