Crews work to turn Wrigley Field into hockey rink for NHL Winter Classic
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Preparations were under way at Wrigley Field Monday for the Winter Classic.
The world's largest mobile refrigeration unit will transform the baseball stadium—which actually most recently hosted a Northwestern-Ohio State football game in November—into an NHL hockey rink.
The truck pumps 3,000 gallons of coolant into the ballpark to create the ideal 22-degree ice temperature.
League officials have been working to ensure the surface will be up to snuff in regard to safety standards for the Blackhawks as they take on the St. Louis Blues on New Year's Eve.
"We have our number of days that we know we've got to build the rink, and then once we get into the ice-making time, probably Friday evening, we'll start making ice," said NHL Senior Director of Hockey Operations Derek King. "You know, we have enough time set aside for that through the holidays, and our goal is to be done, you know, probably on the 28th before we start having some skates on the 29th."
"Honestly, older, iconic buildings present challenges for us—you know, not as roomy as a football stadium," NHL Senior Manager of Facility Operations Andrew Higgins. "But for me at least, so cool to be here in these old, iconic stadiums. Can't wait to get started."
The hockey rink will remain in place for the Frozen Confines Big Ten Hockey Series games at Wrigley on Jan. 3 and 4.
