Winter Classic Pageantry Must Awe to Make Up for Blackhawks, Blues’ Mediocrity
The 2009 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field was a more bare-bones event.
The 2009 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field was a more bare-bones event.
The events and presentation surrounding the game have expanded to the extent they’ll be incomparable to 2009.
For five hours ahead of the 4 p.m. game, there will be a free-to-attend Winter Classic fan festival on Grace Street. For four days after the game, the rink will stay in place in order to host four Big Ten hockey games on Jan. 3 and 4. Inside Wrigley for the game itself, The Smashing Pumpkins and Chance The Rapper will perform.
Even the field design and rink layout will be quite a sight. An artificial frozen river will run from the infield to center field, splitting into two forks like the Chicago River underneath the rink itself while flanked by larger-than-life fake ivy. In left field, a small auxiliary rink will feature more on-ice entertainment. In right field, a New Year’s Eve party will take place.
The field and rink base construction began Monday, and the ice itself will begin being formed Dec. 21. It’ll all be ready in time for both teams’ outdoor practices Dec. 30.
Creating Memories, Not Just a Hockey Game
NHL chief brand officer Brian Jennings said, “The sophistication of activation today — versus when it was first here — has changed dramatically for the fan experience. It’s about creating memories, right? It’s that generational pass that you have from father to son or a mother to daughter. … We discovered early on that even though it’s a two-point hockey game, the players, coaches and everybody realize that there’s so much more.”
New Year’s Eve Twist
Since this is the first time in the Winter Classic’s 16-year history that it’s being held on New Year’s Eve rather than New Year’s Day, that’s heavily emphasized in the design.
“There’s a lot of competition on New Year’s Day, and there was a point where New Year’s Eve had become a bit quiet in terms of the sports world,” Steve Mayer, the NHL’s president of content and events, said. “They decided if there was ever a time to move it a day and take advantage of the creative [opportunities] it brings, this would be the right time.”
Conclusion
While the on-ice product may not be exactly what fans had hoped for, the Winter Classic promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, with its unique atmosphere, entertainment, and celebration of the game. With The Smashing Pumpins and Chance The Rapper performing, and the elaborate field and rink design, fans are sure to be in for a treat.
FAQs
Q: What time is the game?
A: The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
Q: What is the free-to-attend fan festival?
A: The free-to-attend fan festival will take place five hours before the game on Grace Street.
Q: Who will be performing inside Wrigley Field?
A: The Smashing Pumpkins and Chance The Rapper will perform inside Wrigley Field.
Q: How long will the rink stay in place?
A: The rink will stay in place for four days after the game, hosting four Big Ten hockey games on Jan. 3 and 4.
