Wrigley Field to host NHL Winter Classic with fan festival and star-studded entertainment

CHNICAGO - In less than 24 hours, Wrigley Field is ditching baseball bats for hockey sticks as it hosts this year’s edition of the NHL Winter Classic.

The Chicago Blackhawks are taking the St. Louis Blues, and for the first time, the annual event will be held on New Year’s Eve. The puck will drop at 4 p.m. CST.

It’s the second time the Winter Classic will take over the Friendly Confines; the first was in 2009.

This year, the recent rain has posed some challenges. While the mild weather has been less than ideal, crews say they will be ready.

"We're watching the forecast very closely, but right now, it's looking like we're good for puck drop," said Dean Matsuzaki, executive vice president, NHL Events.

Matsuzaki says they are working around the curveballs Mother Nature has thrown their way.

"We're ready for everything, we had sun today, so we had the ice tarp for that, and our ice crews are ready to push water off the rink if we have to like we did yesterday," Matsuzaki said.

Some ticketholders are returning fans and say the weather beats past experiences.

"This is our third Winter Classic," John Messmer, a St. Louis Blues fan, said. "We were in Minneapolis when the Blues played the Wild, and it was 10 below. It’s a heat wave compared to 10 below right now, we’re loving it!"

Others say they wouldn't mind a snow globe experience.

"I would really like to see snow," said Melissa Patterson, a Blackhawks fan visiting from Georgia.

"I was actually looking forward to it snowing, maybe some ice, to make it a little more fun," said Lou Messmer, who is attending the Winter Classic with his father.

A festive day, however, is still planned for fans.

"We’re going to soak it all in," said Shannon Kiel, St. Louis Blues fan.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., a hockey-themed pregame will kick off just steps from the ballpark. Held in the Cubs Premium Parking Lot located at 1126 W. Grace Street, it's free and open to the public—with or without tickets to the game.

During the game, ticketholders can look forward to VIPs, performances, and other surprises.

"We have a number of special guests, so we’ll be doing some things throughout the game, we might even hear ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ because we’re in a ballpark," Matsuzaki said.

Outside, the Barnburner at Gallagher Way will feature a performance by John Pardi. Fans must have a ticket to attend the experience.  

Inside fans can expect to see performances throughout the game, including by The Smashing Pumpkins and Chance the Rapper.

It will be a one-of-a-kind experience—no matter who you're rooting for.

"My wife is at the Blues practice right now because she is a huge St. Louis Blues fan, as you can see we’re Blackhawks fans. Go Chicago!" said Lynn Anderson.

Hawks fans are hoping the excitement here at home will bring their losing streak to a full stop.

"I’m most looking forward to seeing the two teams play against each other and see who comes out on top—hopefully it’s the Hawks," said Zach Anderson.

Fans can also greet their favorite players as they arrive at Wrigley Field by gathering on the corner of Addison and Sheffield on Tuesday.

The Blackhawks are set to arrive at 12:30 p.m., while the Blues will arrive soon after, at 1:20 p.m.

To see the full Winter Classic Fan Guide, click HERE.