DALLAS -- The NHL, the Detroit Red Wings and the University of Michigan have finalized a deal to hold next season’s Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium, a source told MLive.com.

The long-rumored matchup between the Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs will take place on Jan. 1, 2013. The Red Wings lobbied to have the game at Comerica Park, but the NHL couldn’t pass up an opportunity to hold this annual outdoor spectacle at "The Big House," where it is expected to attract a record crowd in excess of 110,000.

To appease Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch, a rink will be constructed at Comerica Park. The home of the Detroit Tigers will host other events leading up to the Winter Classic, including the alumni game and possibly the Great Lakes Invitational.

The events will officially be announced at news conferences at Comerica Park and Michigan Stadium in early February, after the Red Wings return from a four-game trip to Western Canada and Phoenix Jan. 31-Feb. 6.

The NHL was unable to make this announcement next week and did not want to make the announcement during the All-Star break, Jan. 27-30, or when the Red Wings were on the road.

The league has not scheduled a Canadian team for any of the previous five Winter Classics -- Canada has hosted two Heritage Classics -- because NBC has preferred two U.S. franchises, for better TV ratings. But this historic matchup of Original Six rivals will generate a lot of interest and attract thousands of fans from Ontario.

The NHL attendance record is 71,217, set at the 2008 Winter Classic at Buffalo’s Ralph Wilson Stadium, in a game between the Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Michigan Stadium hosted "The Big Chill at the Big House," a college game between Michigan and Michigan State that drew a crowd of 113,411 on Dec. 11, 2010.

The Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-4 in the 2009 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field in front of a crowd of 40,818.