Interesting Cancellation Clause re Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium
I just read an interesting article about the cancellation clause in Michigan's contract with the NHL re the Winter Classic. Apparently, the NHL can get out of the contract up to the last minute for only $100K (plus UM's actual expenses). This gives the NHL flexibility to go forward with the event even if a collective bargaining agreement with the players is not reached until December.
At first I thought UM might have gotten screwed by only getting $100,000 even if they spend the bucks necessary to prepare, but it will also be reimbursed for it's expenses (if the contract is cancelled after November 3).
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/13/sports/hockey/in-case-of-lockout-nhl-…
I don't follow hockey much and was not even aware that the season might be interrupted by a strike. I am still trying to get my head around having a hockey game in Michigan Stadium on New Years' Day when (traditionalist as I am), I think the entire focus should be on Michigan playing football somewhere.
August 13th, 2012 at 9:58 AM ^
Damn you Bettman, don't you fuck this up!
August 13th, 2012 at 10:00 AM ^
Minnesota plates?
August 13th, 2012 at 11:22 AM ^
Minnesotan here: Definitely Minnesota plates.
August 13th, 2012 at 10:14 AM ^
It sounds like a liquidated damages clause, which is a fairly safe way for both sides to handle something like this. Worst case scenario, Michigan covers its costs and pockets 100k for its trouble. Not sure what they were expecting in total profit (a couple million?), but this way they avoid most of their litigation costs in the event that shit hits the fan.
August 13th, 2012 at 10:35 AM ^
Yes, it is a pretty standard type of provision in a contract like this. I think, however, that the amount of liquidated damages would ordinarily be higher if the cancellation were close to the event -- e.g. 30 days prior.
However, this may benefit both sides because it does not force them to cancel the event until it becomes physically and legally impossible. I think they are trying to get the event in.
August 13th, 2012 at 10:49 AM ^
I would have imagined the damages would have increased as the date approached, but I suppose from the NHL's point of view the damages do escalate: the closer to the event, the higher the actual expenses. I'm guessing they figure that if the event is gonna be cancelled, it'll be cancelled earlier rather than later.
August 13th, 2012 at 10:45 AM ^
Does the NHL get all the suites? Do suiteholders get any kind of first crack or break at buying tickets?
August 13th, 2012 at 10:45 AM ^
not a strike, big difference in where to place my ire.
August 13th, 2012 at 11:50 AM ^
Fair enough. I wasn't being precise when I referred to a "strike."
August 13th, 2012 at 12:59 PM ^
August 13th, 2012 at 12:59 PM ^
August 13th, 2012 at 1:33 PM ^
this, looks like some tickets will become available in mid-August, which is pretty close to now. After that I'd try stubhub.com but right now there are zero for sale.
http://redwings.nhl.com/club/microhome.htm?location=/2013WinterClassic