Outdoor Experience
by Mark1 on 1/4/25Wrigley Field - ChicagoRating: 5 out of 5The event started with rain falling as my wife, Alisa, and I entered Wrigley Field! After making our way through the vast throng of fans from both teams, we made our way upstairs to our seats. Before arriving at our seats, we stopped to take pictures so that the memories of the day would be etched in our minds forever. Fans from both teams were assisting with picture taking and were also engaged in some good natured ribbing of each other. The pre game festivities began around 4: 00 and included a performance by the Smashing Pumpkins which delighted the more than 40,000 fans in attendance. There was an excited buzz in the air as both teams came out headed for the rink to begin play. The National Anthem, featuring Jim Cornelison, was raucous and sent the fans into a feverous pitch. The game largely became an after thought as the between periods festivities were played out. Chance the Rapper performed and kept the crowd glued to their seats. The weather was cooperating by this time, with the rain stopping and the evening turning cooler, but tolerable. Although our team played lousy hockey and lost badly, the overall experience of an outdoor hockey game was second to none! The Wrigley Field Staff from the ticket takers, the seating personnel, and the concession stand operators, all provided a most satisfying experience to the day's events. Kudos to the fans in attendance and to the NHL for continuing the outdoor hockey experience.