America's Most Famous College Rivalry To Be Showcased at World's Most Famous Arena

NEW YORK, June 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Back in 1900, Harvard and Yale played their first hockey game at the St. Nicholas Rink in New York City in front of a crowd of 2,000 dressed in black tie. Now America's most storied collegiate rivals will return to where it all began as Madison Square Garden plays host to a special hockey game between Harvard and Yale on January 11, 2014.  Titled "Rivalry on Ice," the game will air nationally on NBC Sports Network.

This inaugural Rivalry on Ice game (www.rivalryonice.com) is part of a multi-year agreement, in which Leverage Agency will handle full 360 marketing and promotion for the event. 

"When it comes to the history and heritage of college sports in America, it all begins with Harvard and Yale," said Ben Sturner, founder and CEO of Leverage Agency.  "It's been a dream of mine to bring these two teams to New York City to play in the most famous arena, and it's been an amazing journey working with the dedicated folks at Harvard, Yale, MSG and NBC to make it happen."

Tickets go on sale on Monday, June 10 through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com) and the Madison Square Garden website (www.thegarden.com).  Harvard fans can also purchase tickets through the Harvard Athletic Ticket Office (617-495-2211) or at tickets.gocrimson.com.  Yale fans can purchase tickets at the Yale Athletic Ticket office (203-432-1400) or at [email protected]. 

Tickets will also be available at the Madison Square Garden box office.

In addition to the heated nature of the rivalry, both teams have much at stake in the inaugural "Rivalry on Ice" game.  Yale is coming off its first national championship after finishing off the 2013 Frozen Four with a win over No. 1 Quinnipiac in April.  For Harvard, the coming season marks the 25^th anniversary of their historic 1989 NCAA Hockey Championship, in which current head coach Ted Donato was voted "Most Outstanding Player" in the championship game.  

"We look forward to this great opportunity to play an old rival in a historic hockey venue," said Keith Allain, Yale Hockey Head Coach.  "It's a wonderful opportunity for alumni of both schools to support college hockey on a big stage."

"We are excited to be taking part in such a marquee event this winter," said Ted Donato, Harvard Hockey Head Coach.  "The chance for Harvard men's hockey to take on its archrival Yale in one of the most famous arenas in the world is something we are all looking forward to and proud to be a part of."

Storied History

The first inter-collegiate sporting event in America took place in 1852, when oarsmen from Harvard and Yale met in New Hampshire to battle over two miles on the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee. Harvard claimed victory that day, but more importantly, a tradition had begun.

The rivalry entered its most celebrated arena in 1875 when football teams from Harvard and Yale met in front of 2,000 fans in New Haven, Conn.  This marked the beginning of a gridiron rivalry that will be played for the 130^th time this fall and, since 1959, has been known simply as "The Game."  However, Harvard and Yale also have an historic hockey rivalry that started in 1900 when they played their first game in New York City.

Since that first game, a 5-4 Bulldog victory, Harvard and Yale have gone on to become two of the most distinguished programs in college hockey.  From ECAC Championships and NCAA Frozen Four appearances to producing Stanley Cup champions and Olympic gold medalists, the Crimson and Bulldogs have established proud legacies on the ice, befitting their world renowned educational institutions.

SOURCE Leverage Agency