The game between the Robert Morris Colonials and the Niagara Purple Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 26 will be played at Heinz Field in conjunction with the NHL Stadium Series game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers, to be held the previous night.
The game will be the first college hockey game played at Heinz Field, the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh football teams. Heinz Field previously hosted the NHL Winter Classic between the Penguins and Washington Capitals in 2011.
“Our players and staff are thrilled to be playing at Heinz Field,” Robert Morris head coach Derek Schooley said in a press release. “This is another event that Robert Morris men’s hockey is proud to be associated with and have a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Penguins, Steelers, NHL and Niagara University for making this a reality.”
“The Pittsburgh Penguins are big supporters of college hockey and we’re excited to have Robert Morris and Niagara playing outdoors at Heinz Field on February 26,” said David Morehouse, CEO and President of the Penguins. “We appreciate that both athletic departments altered their schedules to accommodate this unique opportunity. Our slogan is ‘It’s a Great Day for Hockey,’ but it’s clear that this will be a Great Weekend for Hockey in Pittsburgh.”
The two-game series was originally scheduled to be held at Niagara’s Dwyer Arena in Lewiston, N.Y. The teams will play there Saturday night before coming to Pittsburgh Sunday.
“We are tremendously excited for the opportunity to play at Heinz Field,” said Niagara University head coach David Burkholder. “The exhilaration of an outdoor hockey game is hard to match. Playing in an NFL stadium is a highlight that our players, staff, and fans will remember for years to come.”
Robert Morris has previously played in one outdoor game, tying 2-2 against Bowling Green in Toledo, Ohio on Jan. 3, 2015.
The game will be the season finale for both Atlantic Hockey Conference teams and admission will be free. Faceoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
