CHICAGO (WGN) — 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.
Here’s a list of attractions to expect when the fan festival kicks off on New Year’s Eve:
- Fans can stop by the Hatty Trick Challenge to test their shooting skills and score their very own hat trick. Don’t miss the chance to pick up limited-edition Hockey Fights Cancer trading cards and honor loved ones affected by cancer by including them on “I fight for” stickers.
- BODYARMOR will be giving fans the chance to show their skills by shooting pucks into the net. (Free samples of BODYARMOR will be available to try)
- Within the Caterpillar space, fans will have the opportunity to win prizes, get Cat merch, meet NHL players, and more.
- The Chicago Blackhawks will have photo opportunities, giveaways and interactive fan games at the NHL PreGame. There will also be a special appearance by the Blackhawks mascot, Tommy Hawk.
- The Discover ‘Puck Drop’ Experience will feature a fun and immersive footprint for fans to take part in. The experience will feature an AI photo opportunity allowing visitors a chance to stand at center ice for a puck drop with one of Chicago’s iconic landmarks as the backdrop. Premium giveaways will also be available to fans on a first come, first served basis, as well as NHL Winter Classic memorabilia to explore. The experience will also host special guests. This year’s centerpiece of the ‘Puck Drop’ Experience is Discover’s oversized air hockey table where fans can challenge their friends and family to a game of air hockey.
- Fans 21 and older can stop by the DraftKings tent on Tuesday, Dec. 31, for special promotions, giveaways, and NHL Winter Classic offerings.
- Fans can head over to Energizer’s Power Shot activation to test how fast their slapshot is and get their very own pair of Energizer bunny ears.
- Visit the Official Merchandise trailer for a great selection of Discover NHL Winter Classic jerseys, apparel, headwear, and souvenirs from Fanatics.
- GEICO is excited to debut the Fan Advantage Hall of Fans. The NHL Winter Classic is a celebration of all things hockey, and the Hall of Fans will celebrate the fan. With photo opportunities, official Hockey Hall of Fame memorabilia, and plenty of surprises along the way, the GEICO Fan Advantage Hall of Fans experience will showcase and reward the most passionate fans.
- Practice like the pros and test your stick skills by shooting pucks into a stacked washer and dryer unit at Target Practice presented by Great Clips.
- Honda will have the all-new 2026 Passport TrailSport and the Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid on display at the NHL PreGame. Fans can stop by the Honda activation to show off their hockey skills for a chance to win a fun prize.
- Jersey Mike’s will bring an interactive gaming experience to hockey fans featuring sub sandwich sampling, digital air hockey, augmented-reality photo opportunities, sweepstakes 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.