Winter Classic Plans Released

Matt Bodenschatz | National Hockey League

Dec 4, 09:46 AM | Hype this story!

The NHL’s second “Winter Classic” outdoor game is scheduled to be held January 1 in Buffalo, and will feature a match-up between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres.

This much has been known for quite some time. What hasn’t been known, though, is how all of this will go down.

Yesterday, the NHL made available their plans for this exciting event.

According to our good friends at Move The Needle, the NHL will begin the preparations on December 20.

The time line is as follows:

  • December 20: Temporary office trailers to be brought in
  • December 23: Installation process to begin
  • December 24-27: refrigeration lines to be installed, boards to be constructed
  • December 28: Ice installation to be complete
  • December 29: Board installation to be complete

When it’s all said and done, Ralph Wilson Stadium will look like this:

Comments

  1. DaBich

    Dec 4, 12:43 PM

    Interesting….it going to cost a pretty penny too!

  2. Matt Bodenschatz

    Dec 4, 12:48 PM

    But, with so many ticket sales at such high prices and coverage on NBC, the money coming back to the NHL should be significant as well.

    One thing is for sure, I’m thrilled the Penguins will be part of such a cool event — just wish it was on a day that didn’t have so much competition (college bowl games).

  3. DaBich

    Dec 4, 01:20 PM

    Yeah, I hear ya on the competition.

    But I’m wondering…what if SIdney Crosby didn’t play for Pittsburgh? Would the Penguins still be in this special event?

  4. Matt Bodenschatz

    Dec 4, 02:41 PM

    No. It’s that simple. The Penguins are involved because of the stable of superstar young talent that extends well beyond Crosby. Malkin, Staal, Fleury, Whitney, etc etc are all recognizable names, and players who figure to have prominent, if not spectacular, NHL careers. The NHL wants to showcase this.

    Buffalo is the other team for similar reasons: Miller in goal, Vanek, Pominville, Paetsch, etc are all excelletn young players.

    It’ll be fun to watch.

  5. DaBich

    Dec 4, 03:30 PM

    I figured as much. Thanks for clarifying it for me! =D
    I’ll be watching, provided I don’t have a hangover LOL!

  6. Matt Bodenschatz

    Dec 4, 03:50 PM

    Hey, you have to cook ;)

  7. DaBich

    Dec 4, 04:05 PM

    LOL...Hubby will be pleased then ;)

    You bring the wine!

  8. Matt Bodenschatz

    Dec 4, 04:24 PM

    Haha, ok.

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