NHL Winter Classic Construction Underway At Wrigley Field

by Al on Dec 15, 2008 5:09 PM CST in News Comment 59 comments

Today, trucks arrived and began unloading the materials that will build the hockey rink for the Winter Classic to be played at Wrigley Field on January 1. In addition to the wood for the boards and the platform the ice will be created on, there were some portable lights delivered (not sure what those are for, since this game will be played at noon).

I ran into a photographer wearing a NHL jacket -- not sure whether he was an official photog or someone working for a media outlet. His remark to today's 16-degree weather was, "This is why they play these games indoors now."

I'm really looking forward to the Winter Classic. I'll post more photos over the next week or so.

More photos after the jump...

Click on photos to open larger versions in a new browser window. Photos by Al, taken at Wrigley Field, Chicago, Monday, December 15, 2008, 3 pm CST

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Maybe the lights

are for them to work at night. Don’t know how long it takes to put the rink together but if the weather got bad during the day they might have to work at night to make up time.

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson

by tucsoncubsfan on Dec 15, 2008 5:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think they used lights during last year's winter classic, too

In the event of inclement weather (snow), I’m sure they would turn the lights on to help with visibility. Here’s a photo from last year’s game with the lights:

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Dec 15, 2008 7:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sure, but Wrigley HAS lights.

Why wouldn’t they just use those?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 16, 2008 3:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would guess

that they need more lighting than just the standards up on top of the grandstands. In this picture you can see about 10 light stands set up right near the rink. Think of how bright it is inside a hockey rink as compared to at a Cubs game on a gloomy day. Plus the lights at Wrigley only come from the grandstands, not the outfield, so they probably need a more uniform light source – just a guess.

In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity - Einstein

by cubbieblue86 on Dec 16, 2008 8:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Except...

… if it’s gloomy at Wrigley, the lights DO illuminate the field pretty well. They also wouldn’t need OF lights, because the rink is closer to the infield.

I guess we’ll see where they set everything up.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 16, 2008 8:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My guess

Is that its too expensive to run all the lights at Wrigley if they don’t need to and/or the neighbors would complain about the light depending on how late into the night they are working. Just a thought

by delorean80 on Dec 16, 2008 9:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You're talking about the construction, right?

I was talking about the game itself. But maybe you’re right — the portable lights are being used only for the construction phase.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 16, 2008 9:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

Just for construction was what I meant. Come game time those lights will be long gone.

by delorean80 on Dec 16, 2008 10:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm

If you’re right, it surprises me that using the lights at Wrigley are more expensive than the cost of bringing in their own lights.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Dec 16, 2008 10:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

Like I also said it could be because the lights at night during the winter would be annoying to the local Wrigleyville neighbors as well. These lights would be confined to inside the ballpark and wouldn’t bother anyone outside depending on how late they plan on working. Again this is just my opinion/thought, I really don’t know one way or another

by delorean80 on Dec 16, 2008 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wonder how cold it will get

Could be a lot of fun, or could be a lot of miserable.

Chicago Cubs Humor, News and Parody at The Cubs Brickyard

by AceCubbie on Dec 15, 2008 5:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think it will be one of those games

where there is so much excitement, you tend to forget about how freaking cold you are…

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 16, 2008 9:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Al

for the pics. My preparation for finals doesn’t appreciate the added distraction, but I sure appreciate any taste of home that I can get!
I can’t wait for this game, it should be fun, even if you are freezing cold and can’t see the puck!

by stadiumguru on Dec 15, 2008 5:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

anyone

think this will tear the field up???

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Dec 15, 2008 5:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

well theyd have 3 months to fix it

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Dec 15, 2008 5:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It won't.

It will be on a small portion of the field. No one will be sitting on the field — the only thing that will be there is the rink. The grass is dormant this time of year.

It’ll be fine.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 16, 2008 4:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder how long they'll keep doing these

Now that the big college bowls arent even on Jan 1st if they’ll make it a tradition

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Dec 15, 2008 5:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure it's here to stay.

I don’t see anyone in the NHL front office to pass up this type of marketing stunt. It’s a guaranteed money maker and attention getter.
I only wish they would move it away from January 1, especially so casual fans can watch both the bowl games and the winter classic.

by stadiumguru on Dec 15, 2008 6:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It would be prudent to make such an adjustment.

"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns

by tville on Dec 15, 2008 6:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I believe the point is for NBC

to specifically use this game as counter-programming on New Year’s Day. If NBC drops out of the NHL package (and it seems they might) the game could be moved. For the other major NHL network — the CBC — this is great, for it’s a major event on a holiday…with no real sports programming against it. Possibly, that’s why the game is scheduled that day…because the CBC has more 2 million times more clout in the NHL than NBC. (After all, CBC has been with the NHL….since before TV.)

However, if Versus becomes the only US network for the NHL, it probably stays on Jan 1. Some of you might recall the first ‘Winter Classic, played in Canada — wasn’t televised in the US.

ESPN still doesn’t seem to be interesting in returning to NHL action, despite the NHL’s constant lobbying. (Much to the annoyance of VS, as the network believes they are being dissed.)

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 16, 2008 12:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In case you are wondering..............

…………the rejection notices arrived about an hour ago. So if you have not already been drawn from the random public lottery, you’re out of luck.

Have not heard anything on the season ticket lottery. Might still have a chance.

"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns

by tville on Dec 15, 2008 6:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The season ticket lottery winners were notified about 10 days ago.

The sale was Friday, December 5.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 16, 2008 4:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Usually.............

………….they send notice about not winning, so I was holding out some hope.

Oh well.

"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns

by tville on Dec 16, 2008 7:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

16 degrees?

You don’t know how good you have it! Didn’t get above zero here today.

by MN exile on Dec 15, 2008 6:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

-24 (actual temp, not wind chill) right now in Bemidji, MN

and haven’t been above zero since Saturday…

Moose

Hubbs!

by moose97 on Dec 16, 2008 6:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Winnipeg, Manitoba

-28, feels like -40 with the windchill

This is the third day in a row we’ve had -40 or colder

Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Dec 16, 2008 9:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yesterday

DSM was negative 28 below wind chill. This is why I never ever complain about the hot humid days in the summer.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Dec 16, 2008 10:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Very cool!

Thanks, Al!

"Well, we're out of cake! We only had three bits and we didn't expect such a rush! So what do you want?"
"What, so my choice is 'or death?' Well, then I'll have the chicken, please."
--Eddie Izzard

by znohitter on Dec 15, 2008 7:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I can't wait!

For those of you who are not that familiar with hockey, be prepared to see the fastest and most physical team sport in the world; played in one of baseball’s shrines!

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Dec 15, 2008 8:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Is this going to tear up

the field and playing surface like those concerts Wrigley hosted a summer ago?

by EJThunder on Dec 15, 2008 10:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

when they did it at lambeau

you could hardly tell. you could tell where the rink was but nothing more really. like other people have said too, the great grounds crew has 3 months to figure out how to fix it.

"You just don't know understand how frustrating this is"- Kevin Borseth

by TkGoUWGB on Dec 15, 2008 11:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What's up with the Wrigley webcam???

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Dec 15, 2008 11:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Good question.

I also noticed they were down.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 16, 2008 4:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They???

I only know of one, The Truelook. Is there another?

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Dec 16, 2008 8:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There are two cameras there. Both are down.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 16, 2008 8:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just out of curiousity...

did you have a press pass, Al? Or did they let you wander in? Love the pics. Your choice of shots tells the story well.

"Truth does not do as much good in the world as the semblance of truth does evil," - Duc de La Rochefoucauld, Maxims, 64.

by Emelie on Dec 16, 2008 5:51 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I didn't "wander in"...

… I took all those pictures from the sidewalk on Sheffield, outside the park. No press pass needed.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 16, 2008 7:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

good lens

It looks like you are right on the field in shots 3 & 4

"Truth does not do as much good in the world as the semblance of truth does evil," - Duc de La Rochefoucauld, Maxims, 64.

by Emelie on Dec 16, 2008 8:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I just got a new camera.

This one. Very happy with it.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 16, 2008 8:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've had 2 cameras from the CoolPix series...They're great.

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 16, 2008 9:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

DEEEEEEEEEtroit suxx

Nice pics, thanks for sharing.

Ya ain't lived til you've heard "Colour My World" played on an accordian.

by Da Alderman on Dec 16, 2008 10:02 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Where should next years classic be at?

Obviously Fenway comes to mind immediately. What about the big house in Ann Arbor? i think there are enough Red Wings fans to fill the place up.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Dec 16, 2008 10:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

That would be NUTS...

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 16, 2008 10:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think the Redwings

would be selected for 2 years in a row. I bet it will be the Rangers and someone else next year….just a guess though.

I found out I’m going to the game about 2 weeks ago, I can’t wait. I think NYE is the most overrated holiday and am finally excited for new years.

I'm finally moving on...

by slocs55 on Dec 16, 2008 10:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well let's hear some new suggestions.

this hot stove season is boring me.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Dec 16, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Rangers at the new Yankee Stadium,

with a Canadian team or an original 6 team/older franchise.

I'm finally moving on...

by slocs55 on Dec 16, 2008 12:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

New Yankee Stadium

I don’t see it going anywhere else. The old YS almost got it this year, if it weren’t for the antiquated pipes and John McDonough.
I think it’ll be Rangers-Islanders, so both can “host the game”. Detroit will have to wait a few years to get their chance, since they participated this year.
As for other options, Boston, Denver, and Minnesota seem to be the leaders I would think, along with every Canadian club, though I’m not sure what kinds of outdoor venues they have.

by stadiumguru on Dec 16, 2008 11:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Denver wouldn't be a good choice.

It is often 50 degrees or better on New Year’s Day. It would be tough keeping the ice hard enough. There aren’t many people who try outdoor rinks here, and those that do use it as a promotional gimmick, not as good quality ice for skaters.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Dec 16, 2008 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yabbut....

… I’m guessing they have some pretty heavy-duty refrigeration units that could keep the ice frozen enough.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 16, 2008 8:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Unless it's 80 and sunny...

…the refrigeration system will be able to keep up. And even if there were those conditions to deal with, there’s way to control radiant heating of the surrounding areas to the ice surface.

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Dec 17, 2008 3:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Where ever there can...

be two teams of the original six. Montreal at Boston in Fenway would be a keeper. That rivalry is as intense as Leafs/Habs, Wings/’Hawks & Leafs/Wings.

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Dec 16, 2008 1:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Did they ever decide

If they were opening the rooftops?

by lamentir on Dec 16, 2008 12:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yes.

Rooftops are selling tickets for approx. $400 each. That includes, of course, food and drink and the ability to be inside. If you’ve got the $, not a bad deal.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 16, 2008 1:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Plus,

The price keeps dropping as well. I’ve been getting emails since they decided to open the rooftops. They are less than $400 and no minimum requirement for most places. Still too expensive IMO however just be careful where you go because with those giant video boards they plan on putting at each foul poul it could cause obstructed view from across the street.

by delorean80 on Dec 16, 2008 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly -- it goes to the Bronx next.

The old Yankee Stadium was slated as the first location for this game. However, I don’t think the Yankees wanted such an event to be the last item of biz at the ballpark.

I assume they wanted to start demolition soon after the season, as is now taking place at what was Shea Stadium.

Book the next game for the new Yankee Stadium, but it’s won’t be a cross-town team.
I’d guess the Bruins, or the Maple Leafs would be the opponent. In any event, it will feature 2 ‘original 6’ teams, as to eventally make sure all of the historic teams get a chance in this game. The Canadiens played in Game 1, so the Bruins, Leafs, and Rangers are left.

Which could mean if it’s NY/Toronto, in ’10 — the Bruins could host their own the season after that. The better rivalry would have been Boston/Montreal, but the NHL blew that one.

For now, this game (to remain a viable TV show in America) has to stay friendly to the US East, where most of this country’s NHL fandom lives. 2 Canadian teams = ratings disaster for any US Net that has the game.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 16, 2008 12:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Habs in game 1, what game 1?

Last year was game 1 wasn’t it? And that was Pgh @ Buff.

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Dec 16, 2008 1:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Last year was the first "Winter Classic"

However in 2003 the NHL held what they called a “Heritage Classic” in Edmonton, Alberta (the NHL’s first regular season outdoor game). The Oilers lost to the Montreal Canadiens 4-3.

by delorean80 on Dec 16, 2008 1:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

and for at least a short time,

“toque” became a household word down here in the States

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 16, 2008 7:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Toque was already a household word for some of us.

"Well, we're out of cake! We only had three bits and we didn't expect such a rush! So what do you want?"
"What, so my choice is 'or death?' Well, then I'll have the chicken, please."
--Eddie Izzard

by znohitter on Dec 17, 2008 12:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs