Remembering a "Miracle," 30 Years Later, on the Arena Where It Happened

No one expected the U.S. to win the gold medal at the 1980 Olympics, because the Soviets were considered unstoppable. But they did, giving the nation that seemingly miraculous, wonderful moment that Sports  Illustrated called the greatest sports moment of the 20th century - and broadcaster Al Michaels' great line Do you believe in miracles? 

And after defeating the Soviets, the U.S. hockey players won their next game, and that famous gold.

In Small Town, Big Dreams: Lake Placid's Olympic Story, hockey team captain Mike Eruzione says

I don't think we could have won if the Games were held elsewhere - because the crowd was so important, being in our own country was so important ... everybody was around you, I mean, the fans were everywhere, it's not like it was spread out so far that you didn't see people. You could see the fun people were having just being there. And it made you realize how great the Olympics are.

If you can make it to Lake Placid this week, you can see the movie and the hockey victory on the big screen in the arena where it happened. Small Town, Big Dreams is being shown at 7 pm Thursday, Feb. 11, in the Herb Brooks Arena as part of the 30th anniversary celebration of the 1980 Olympics, and filmmakers Marc Nathanson and Scott F. Carroll will be there. The movie will be followed by Disney's 1984 Miracle, starring Kurt Russell as the late Herb Brooks, coach of the winning team.

Suggested donation is $8 adults and $5 children and seniors, with proceeds going to the Lake Placid Olympic Winter Museum.

If you can't make it, you'll just have to watch the movie on your local PBS station. Or buy it.