Over 100,000 hockey fans are expected for the Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium on New Year's Day when the Detroit Red Wings take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Plenty of excitement is also scheduled in Ann Arbor leading up to the New Year and the big game.
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While Ann Arbor is often a sleepy town New Year's Day, the Winter Classic game at Michigan Stadium is bringing thousands to the city. This has many restaurants and businesses that would typically remain closed planning to be open January 1st.
There also are some extra events scheduled on New Year's Eve.
Main Street will be closed all day December 31st, from Huron to William in preparation for the Puck Drops Here event. The event starts at 8pm when a 10 foot wide metal Hockey puck that will be dropped at midnight is lit. There will also be live music from eight until two, including former Ann Arbor resident, Michelle Chamuel who appeared on The Voice.
Earlier in the day Noon Year's Eve events are planned at the Farmers Market and Briarwood Mall so kids can celebrate the New Year's without staying up until midnight.
— Andrew Cluley is the Ann Arbor beat reporter and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him acluley@emich.edu.