WRIGLEYVILLE — For the second time ever, and the first time since 2009, the Chicago Blackhawks are hosting the NHL’s Winter Classic at Wrigley Field. The celebration includes performances by Chicago natives The Smashing Pumpkins and Chance the Rapper. The fan-favorite outdoor game — with an ice rink smack dab in the middle of The Friendly Confines — will be played between the Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. The puck drop is scheduled for 4 p.m.
The second-ever Winter Classic game was played at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Eve 2009, with the Red Wings defeating the Blackhawks through frigid temperatures in front of over 40,000 fans. Wrigley Field will become the second venue to have hosted the Winter Classic twice, joining Boston’s Fenway Park. This is the first time the NHL is hosting the Winter Classic on New Year’s Eve; it’s usually played on Jan. 1 or 2.
From 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., fans can visit the pregame in the Cubs Premium Parking Lot at 1126 W. Grace Street for an outdoor party featuring family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and food trucks. At noon, the Barnburner at Gallagher Way opens exclusively to Winter Classic ticket holders, with country musician Jon Pardi performing from 1:40 to 2:55 p.m. Gallagher Way will also host a live broadcast of the “NHL on TNT” show from 3 to 4 p.m.
The gates to Wrigley Field will open at 2 p.m., giving fans early access to explore the transformed ballpark before the puck drops. The Smashing Pumpkins are scheduled to perform during the player introductions, and Chance the Rapper is set to take the stage during one of the game’s intermissions. There is no word on whether Chance will reprise his role as hockey announcer Lazlo Holmes.
The Blackhawks are amid another disappointing season, currently sitting last with four straight losses and the recent firing of head coach Luke Richardson on Dec. 5. Verified resale tickets are still available for Tuesday’s game on Ticketmaster, starting at $160.
During the festivities, expect parking restrictions, loud soundchecks, and other potential disruptions around Wrigleyville. For more detailed information about the changes and instructions for ride-sharing drop-offs and pickups, fans are directed to check the map from the 44th Ward office. Additional information on the Winter Classic can be found on the NHL website.
Following the Winter Classic, Wrigley Field will host two college hockey doubleheaders for the Big Ten Hockey Series on Friday and Saturday. On Friday, Ohio State will face Michigan at 4 p.m., followed by Penn State vs. Notre Dame at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, Ohio State will compete against Wisconsin at 4:30 p.m., and Wisconsin will face Michigan State at 8:30 p.m.
With the excitement building around the upcoming match, NHL events president Steve Mayer expressed the significance of hosting the game at such an iconic venue. "To do it at a landmark like Wrigley Field? For us, this is just so exciting from the day we announced it," he said, emphasizing the unique energy expected at this event.
Historically, the Blackhawks have struggled at the Winter Classic, remaining winless through their previous four appearances. The Blues, on the other hand, have fared well, entering the game on New Year's Eve with strong recent performances.
With late December weather being one of the unpredictable factors, Mayer confirmed the NHL’s confidence in handling the conditions, promising to keep the ice optimized for play regardless of the weather fluctuations.
The Winter Classic, which began as the NHL's signature outdoor game, was first held on Jan. 1, 2008, at Ralph Wilson Stadium. It has since become a beloved tradition, with this year's edition marking another pivotal moment for hockey enthusiasts. The matchup between the Blackhawks and the Blues is anticipated to be packed with thrilling moments, as both teams vie for victory amid the cheers of the crowd and the vibrant performances at Wrigley Field.