"It takes imagination to think big. It takes creativity and compromise to make it work.

Based on sheer numbers of people and tickets and spilled cups of Canadian beer, this will be huge. And entertaining. And much needed. While Michigan is off playing in a bowl game on Jan. 1 (theoretically), the Big House will be hosting the Maple Leafs and Red Wings in the NHL's biggest Winter Classic.

The way it unfolded is a prime example of the art of compromise, and the benefit of thinking bigger. The NHL wanted to smash attendance records in Michigan Stadium. Mike Ilitch and his family naturally wanted to reward Red Wings fans and Detroiters by playing at Comerica Park."