So I bought four tickets for the Winter Classic, and I'm trying to figure out from this artist's rendering whether I'll be able to see anything.
I bought the $75 tickets, which means I'll be sitting low. The seating hierarchy is the opposite from a baseball game, where it's the lower the better.
I guess there's a chance I won't be able to see the puck. I will bring the binoculars.
Oh well, this is more about attending an event than a game. But I wonder how long the novelty of the day will last.
It will be cool to hit Murphy's early all bundled up before the game and the curiosity factor will keep me entertained for a while. But for how long?
The NYE hangover will be a factor. Part of me is thinking of staying up all night, but then again, I'm 45.
I'm also considering selling the tickets and trying to get a media credential, although I know it's late in the game.
Are we hoping for snow that day? Would that add to the ambience?
This won't exactly marry the best qualities of Cubs and Hawks games. We won't get the National Anthem goosebumps we get at the United Center and we won't see the shorts, tank tops and flip flops we get during the summer in Wrigley.
Still, I think I'll keep the tickets. It's history, and I'm looking forward to it.
Roman, based on my previous experience of working at Wrigley, the Winter Classic will definitely be a major difference, in terms of views from the seat. In my estimation, if you're sitting in the upper deck, you'll have the best shot of following the puck. If you sit in the upper tier of the bleachers, you'd have a good view as well. Everywhere else in the park, binoculars are a must. Maybe that last-second credential request could give you a better view than the seats you have.
Depending on where your $75 seats are located (which section, which row, etc.), you may or may not have your view blocked by the rink itself. Another thing, which I don't have any knowledge about, is if the protective netting behind home plate will be removed. If it is, it should help the view for those people seated behind the home plate area.
But, you're right. The spectacle and aura of this event should outweigh the game. The novelty will be there all day. That's something that won't go away. Too many things added into the equation for the novelty not to lose is luster. If it does snow, it will definitely add to the ambience. NBC and the NHL are both frothing at the mouth hoping it does, but they should go into the event thinking it won't happen.
It ought to be appointment viewing for any sports fan in the midwest, with every other sports junkie on-notice for it. Should be a tremendous event, hopefully with the Hawks coming out on top.
...Wait a second, you're 45?!
I don't know what's more shocking. The fact that tickets are $75 or that Roman is 45. Geez, Roman. Hope I look that good when I have one foot in the grave. :-)
Roman responds: It's an old pic.
Hyped event. To much Cubness being incorporated into the Blackhawks.
To do this game justice, it should have been played at Soldier Field where the sitelines would have been much better.
Wrong venue.
The game should have been at Soldier Field.
Better site lines.Who is going to be even semi-close to this rink out in the middle of the field?
Better parking. There is no parking at Wrigley even when the streets are clear of snow. This will be a mess.
Far more seating.
Easy to get into and out of the area compared to Wrigley Field.
A little like a Cub game except in this case, you won't be able to see what's going on even if you TRY to pay attention...
You wanna borrow my Bears game gear?
You wouldnt be able to see well if the game was at Soldier Field either. Ask the fans in Buffalo how great the view was. The rink at Wrigley is actually closer to the crowd than it was in Buffalo. And blame the park district for not being at Soldier, they wanted to much.
I am looking forward to the game at Wrigley Field. I am a Hawks fan as well as a Cubs fan. So how appropriate that my tix are in the bleachers? I realize I might be able to follow the game. But its the ambiance of the outdoor experience that I will remember in the years to come. Or will it be that I froze my butt off. Which I have done a few times at Cubs games asa well.
I'm trying to figure out how much it would take for me to sit outside, be cold, get charged $10 for beers and not be able to see the action.
I would go for $200 probably...
First of all, I was going to say that your being 45 was a shock-and-a-half. Then, you responded to someone that it's "an old pic." Well, it would have to be at least five years old for that fact to no longer be a shock. Keep up what you're doing. You look very young.
Regarding the game, I would bleed hockey as much as I bleed baseball IF I had actually played the game. Biggest problem? Couldn't quite skate--especially backwards! Still, to me, only the novelty and aura of this event are reasons to attend WHICH DOES ACCOUNT FOR A LOT! Throw in the fact that it is a legitimate game pitting the perennial Cup contender against the up-and-coming 'Hawks. Nevertheless, without being bundled up armed with binoculars, watching it on TV is probably the way to go. As an event period, it's great for hockey and great for this town.
Go Blackhawks!
That looks cold. Way to cold. Whose idea was that? And the artist should have warmed it up a bit. This plan sounds like it should have been hatched up in Milwaukee or some where up der. Have fun. Screw the press creds, you better get a thermos of mother Sweeney's hot chocolate before you go bro. Its 61F in Hollywood and I am freezing. At least the ND game is in Hawaii.
Aloha
I think it's a great idea.
About the only thing that could make it better is if Harry Caray descended from Heaven and did the broadcast...
"Hey, do you know that Toews spelled backwards is Sweot (Sweat)?"
"How about that Khabibulin? I mean it sounds like you should say "Bless you" after he says his name."