Follow along with live updates from the Winter Classic
The Winter Classic returns to Fenway Park Monday with the Bruins hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins.
It marks the first time the NHL is returning to a venue for its annual outdoor game. Fenway Park was the site of the 2010 edition, as well.
Here is a guide to the event:
Game details
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Fenway Park
TV: TNT
If you’re going
Tickets for the event are sold out, but can be found on secondary markets.
Gates open at noon on Monday. Attendees cannot bring large bags (with exceptions). The NHL urges fans to arrive early and warns there is increased security, which could result in longer lines. The NHL has prepared a fan guide here.
Advertisement
History
▪ This will be the third Winter Classic for the Penguins, who split the first two games. It will mark the franchise’s sixth game outdoors, with Pittsburgh going 2-3 in the previous five. The Bruins are making their fourth appearance, having gone 2-1 in their three appearances; they have played a total of four games outdoors, going 3-1.
▪ The Bruins’ first appearance in a Winter Classic was in 2010, when they defeated the Philadelphia Flyers, 2-1, in overtime at Fenway Park. The second was in 2016, when they lost to the Montreal Canadiens, 5-1, at Gillette Stadium. Most recently, they defeated the Chicago Blackhawks, 4-2, at Notre Dame Stadium in 2019.
▪ The Winter Classic dates to 2008, when the Penguins edged the Buffalo Sabres, 2-1, at the home of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, which was then known as Ralph Wilson Stadium. Pittsburgh also lost to the Washington Capitals in 2011 at Heinz Field.
▪ The game also has been played at iconic venues including Michigan Stadium, Yankee Stadium, and Wrigley Field.
What they’re wearing
The Bruins jerseys will have an arched “BOSTON” emblazoned across the chest, a nod to the sweaters worn by players in 1948. The arching logo also pays homage to New England amateur hockey and marks the first time only “BOSTON” has appeared on the jersey for a Winter Classic. The Bruins had the spoked-B in the middle of the chest in 2010 and 2019, and featured a spaced-out “BOSTON BRUINS” in 2016.
Advertisement
The uniform crest also features the bear shoulder patch that was on the team’s jerseys from the mid 1970s to the early 1990s. Some updates were made to the bear, including a recoloring to better pair it with the wordmark.
The Penguins jerseys pay homage to the city’s original NHL franchise, the 1925 Pittsburgh Pirates, with a gold P stretching across the vintage white jersey.
Hockey history class is now in session.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) November 25, 2022
The logo on the Penguins' Winter Classic jerseys is inspired by the city's original NHL franchise, the Pittsburgh Pirates, who entered the league for its ninth season back in 1925. https://t.co/Duvjc9KEfp
What’s new
The rink will look a little different from the event’s previous appearance at Fenway. As Michael Silverman reported, it will be roughly centered lengthwise across the first and third bases of the baseball diamond so its 200-foot length will have the Green Monster serving as its backdrop.
There will be a separate diamond-shaped rink in the outfield, where the league plans to have local youth hockey players skating.
The Green Monster will feature sponsored advertising, as well as a version of the official Winter Classic logo.
That’s entertainment
Bell Biv DeVoe, the Boston-based spinoff of music group New Edition, will perform the national anthem along with the Boston Pops, led by conductor Keith Lockhart.
The Pops will perform throughout the game on a special stage in center field.
Advertisement
The Black Keys will perform during the first intermission.
There will be appearances by Bruins and Red Sox alumni, headlined by Bobby Orr. Former Bruins captains Zdeno Chara and Johnny Bucyk will be part of the festivities, as well as World Series champions Tim Wakefield and Jason Varitek.
Parking and transportation
Parking is extremely limited around Fenway Park. The NHL strongly recommends that fans take public transportation to the game.
Options include the subway, the commuter rail, or bus.
Additional details
▪ The NHL will hold a fan festival at Boston City Hall Plaza. The two-day event will run from 2-8 p.m. Friday, and from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. It will be free and open to the public, with the NHL and corporate partners offering experiences for hockey fans, including autograph sessions with current and former Bruin greats and Boston Pride players.
There will be food, giveaways, and family-friendly hockey-related activities. Other events include a shooting contest for prizes, a giant air hockey table, face-painting, and a Bruins trivia contest.
▪ Fans will be able to get their picture taken with the Stanley Cup from 2:30-7 p.m. Friday and from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. There will be memorabilia available for fans to explore. More information can be found at NHL.com/WinterClassic.
▪ The NHL estimates the Winter Classic’s total impact on the economy will be $22.8 million.
▪ There will be a flyover by F-15 jets from the 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard prior to the game. The pilots will be wearing the Bruins’ NHL Winter Classic jersey.
Advertisement
Read more about the Winter Classic
NHL to host free outdoor fan festival at City Hall ahead of Winter Classic
The Black Keys, Bell Biv DeVoe to perform at 2023 Winter Classic at Fenway Park
With Winter Classic near, Bruins test out their throwback gear at practice
Follow Andrew Mahoney @GlobeMahoney.