Before the public ticket sale began for December's Big Chill at the Big House, Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said he'd be pleased if the crowd size reached 80,000.

He wondered if expecting a sell out was too lofty given the uncertain nature of what weather conditions could be like for a game that is expected to draw the largest crowd ever to witness a hockey game.

But after ticket sales topped 100,000 this week for the Dec. 11 Michigan-Michigan State showdown, U-M athletic department officials closed the ticket window Thursday in order to ensure incoming freshmen have a shot at tickets.

As of Friday morning, the event's official website showed ticket sales had reached 100,098. The existing attendance record was set at the 2001 Cold War game at Spartan Stadium went more than 74,000 witnessed the first outdoor meeting between the Wolverines and Spartans.

According to a release issued Thursday night, Michigan student season ticket packages for football and hockey include a ticket to The Big Chill at the Big House. Incoming freshmen will have the chance to purchase season tickets for football and hockey in June.

All U-M students will have the chance to order a hockey season ticket in September.

Orders from football season ticket holders who are renewing their tickets on or before 5 p.m. on May 14, are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, the release said.

The general public may still request tickets for the Dec. 11 game by being added to a waiting list. To do so, send an e-mail to the Michigan ticket office (mtickets@umich.edu) or call the office at 734-764-0247 or 866-296-6849.

Interested fans should leave their name, email address, daytime phone number and requested number of tickets. There is a limit of four. Should tickets become available later, fans will be removed from the waiting list on a first-come first-served basis.

Jeff Arnold covers Michigan hockey for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at jeffarnold@annarbor.com or 734-623-2554. Follow him at Twitter @jeffreyparnold.