NHL Winter Classic Rink Update: Wednesday Afternoon

by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2008 5:50 PM CST in Chicago Cubs News

It's much nicer in Chicago today. Well, relatively speaking, at least -- not snowing, and about 20 degrees with light winds. So I took the better camera to the ~~ballpark~~ future hockey arena to get some more photos.

While I was there I ran into Brad, our usual gate chief in the bleachers. He told me the workers spent most of the morning just clearing snow off the field so they could work; once they got back to laying the plywood floor underneath where the rink will be, they decided to lay only one layer of plywood instead of two (not sure why). I also learned there will be a skatearound/practice on New Year's Eve, not open to the public.

The first photo is of the refrigeration truck, which is parked on Waveland behind the LF bleachers. The third photo shows some nice colors in the sky behind the third base side grandstand; I was there just about sunset.

Click on photos to open a larger version in a new browser window. Taken at Wrigley Field, Chicago, Wednesday, December 17, 2008, approximately 4:30 pm CST. All photos by Al

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Thanks, Al.

That looks really cold. I’m much more bummed out now that I didn’t win the ticket lottery.

by 08Cubs on Dec 17, 2008 6:49 PM CST reply actions

Looks like it is coming together.

That picture of the sunset @ Wrigley—what a beautiful stadium, it really is.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 17, 2008 8:19 PM CST reply actions

Agree

I was going to say the same thing

MaIne South Hawks 2008 Class 8a Champs!

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 17, 2008 8:38 PM CST up reply actions

+1

the simplicity is what makes it so great.

I'm finally moving on...

by slocs55 on Dec 18, 2008 8:17 AM CST up reply actions

Thanks again Al

for bringing a taste of the Windy City to Madison, I appreciate it!
Are you going to the game Al?

by stadiumguru on Dec 17, 2008 8:56 PM CST reply actions

Yes, I'll be there.

Very excited about it, too. Hope it’s a little warmer than today!

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2008 8:58 PM CST up reply actions

Where are you going to be?

Where are you going to be seating?

Wouldn’t it be funny if we met at the hockey game after all this time?

MaIne South Hawks 2008 Class 8a Champs!

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 17, 2008 9:04 PM CST up reply actions

If you are going, where are you sitting?

I signed my two personal email accounts and my work email and my wife won the lottery. I got lucky, I am sitting in level 226 – 22 rows up. Should be able to see the rink ok. I can’t wait!!!!

by dlansfor on Dec 17, 2008 10:46 PM CST up reply actions

Not too far

My Dad has the tickets I’m not sure but I know he requested upper deck.

MaIne South Hawks 2008 Class 8a Champs!

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 18, 2008 5:37 AM CST up reply actions

Guys

Guys I can’t say this enough. If you have a chance to go to a game run do not walk to the game. If you’re home and looking for something on TV watch.

This is just the beginning of a whole new era in Blackhawks hockey.

With Kane and Toews on the Blackhawks and Rose on the Bulls the future is bright for the denizens of the UC.

MaIne South Hawks 2008 Class 8a Champs!

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 17, 2008 9:05 PM CST reply actions

I want to be there right meow.

3rd pic down looks awesome.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Dec 18, 2008 7:34 AM CST reply actions

So much for the Wrigley lights

being to expensive to run for preperation. The light towers must be strictly for the game, I know there was a converstaion a few days ago about that subject.

I'm finally moving on...

by slocs55 on Dec 18, 2008 8:19 AM CST reply actions

The portable lights that were brought in...

… are clearly to help with construction illumination. The Wrigley lights are turned on from dusk to 6 pm, when the workers finish for the day… I’m guessing they’re on for about two hours a day; this project is going to be finished (from what I understand) by the day before Christmas.

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

by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2008 8:26 AM CST up reply actions

I'm surprised

more lights are needed for the construction phase, I would think it would be bright enough with just the Wrigley lights.

I'm finally moving on...

by slocs55 on Dec 18, 2008 1:58 PM CST up reply actions

Those portable lights could not possibly be for the game

Not only would they not be high enough to go over the rink (and interfere with any pucks lifted upwards), the glare created from them would be intense, especially during the beginning parts of the period when the ice has just be resurfaced by the Zamboni and is relatively smooth, wet and shiny.

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Dec 18, 2008 8:49 AM CST up reply actions