The National Hockey League announced they will be hosting a free outdoor fan festival ahead of the Winter Classic in Chicago.
The fan festival will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, in the Chicago Cubs parking lot at 1126 West Grace Street and run until 3:30 p.m. CT. It will feature a variety of hockey initiatives, giveaways, food, a special appearance by the Stanley Cup, and more.
- Visit the Navy Federal Credit Union hockey activation to test your range and accuracy at its Hockey Shot Challenge and for your chance to look like the pros while taking your picture in its Hockey Player Photo Opportunity.
- NHL Network will give fans the chance to test their shooting skills with a target inflatable.
- Visit the Pepsi booth to test your luck at a skee-hockey game for the chance to win prizes, drink free Pepsi samples, and capture a picture with a life-sized hockey puck display.
- S. Preston is an NHL-licensed sport artist specializing in creative, minimalist hockey illustrations of famous iconic moments, arenas and mascots. He will be on site displaying his limited-edition artwork for this year’s Discover NHL Winter Classic, along with other pieces in his collection.
- Fans can take a photo with the most iconic trophy in professional sports during NHL PreGame operating hours.
- Fans can visit the Ticketmaster Bullseye Battle activation to show off their wrist shots by aiming to shoot their puck through the Ticketmaster “T.”
- Fans will be able to get their own personalized NHL Winter Classic trading card from Upper Deck, and collect a free NHL Winter Classic digital trading card set at UpperDeckEpack.com.
- Verizon invites fans to the NHL PreGame where they can enjoy a warm treat, charge their phones, take part in an exclusive photo opportunity, and have a chance to win exciting prizes.
According to a spokesperson for the NHL, all fans will be required to go through metal detectors upon entry into the NHL PreGame.
Backpacks (including clear backpacks), hard-sided coolers (regardless of size), and bags larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches are not permitted at the NHL PreGame or Wrigley Field. Exceptions will be made for medical bags and diaper bags that accompany guests with young children. Bags are subject to inspection.
For the most up-to-date schedule of events, map of the NHL PreGame, virtual games, and opportunities to win prizes, fans should visit NHL.com/PreGame. Fans can also download the NHL App before coming to the NHL PreGame to learn more about the on-site activities through the Fan Access section.
