NHL Reveals Illustrated Preview of Wrigley Field Transformation for the 2025 Winter Classic
The National Hockey League (NHL) has released an illustrated preview of its takeover of Wrigley Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs, for the Discover NHL Winter Classic outdoor game between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues on New Year’s Eve, December 31, at 5 p.m. ET (TNT, truTV, MAX, SN, TVAS).
The NHL, in collaboration with Seattle-based Analog Heart, drew inspiration from Chicago’s world-famous bridge architecture, waterways, local parks and the brick and ivy that adorns the outfield wall at Wrigley Field throughout the baseball season. The theme celebrating Chicago is visible throughout the field design including a festive New Year’s Eve party in right field featuring revelers in formal, black-tie attire, ready to toast the New Year.
The NHL regulation-size rink will sit at the center of Wrigley Field atop a frozen Chicago River, with park sidewalks and bridges surrounding the rink. Exposed areas of illustrated water within the snow and ice landscape feature a real auxiliary ice rink surrounded by the greenery made famous by Wrigley Field and iconic Chicago parks. The frozen river behind the team benches features the famous bridge architecture and sidewalks representing the Windy City. A separate sheet of ice in left field will host local youth hockey players throughout the game.
Chance The Rapper and The Smashing Pumpkins to Perform
Chicago’s own Chance The Rapper and The Smashing Pumpkins will lead the entertainment for the Discover NHL Winter Classic.
Chicago born and raised, Chance The Rapper is known worldwide for his iconic mixtapes, including Acid Rap and Coloring Book. The Grammy Award-winning hip hop artist, whose portrayal of NHL rinkside reporter Lazlo Holmes in a Saturday Night Live sketch was a cultural phenomenon, will return to the rink to headline an intermission performance during the Blues-Blackhawks outdoor game in his hometown. Chance’s current project, Star Line, is an interdisciplinary endeavor that combines art, music, cinematography and community. It showcases collaborative works with esteemed fine artists from both The Continent and The Diaspora.
Alternative rock juggernauts The Smashing Pumpkins, who formed as a band in Chicago and have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, will kick start the festivities at the Discover NHL Winter Classic with a performance before the game begins.
Portions of both performances, which will be produced by NHL Entertainment, will be featured in the game broadcast.
