NHL Winter Classic returns to Wrigley Field for New Year's Eve

The NHL Winter Classic is back in Chicago, and they're hoping for snow at Wrigley Field.

Construction crews installing the rink at Wrigley have spent 11 days transforming Wrigley Field’s iconic baseball diamond into a hockey rink, including making plans for finicky weather.

According to the National Weather Service, Tuesday’s forecast calls for a 50% chance of rain with a high near 41 degrees during the day, with a chance of rain and snow before midnight and a low around 28.

Game time is 4 p.m., broadcast on TNT.

The Blackhawks are hosting the Winter Classic for the third time and playing in their fifth one overall. They are still looking for their first win in the event.

Chicago's phenom Connor Bedard was 3 years old the last time the Blackhawks hosted the Classic in 2009. He’s the star the Hawks are pinning their hopes on to help return to the glory they experienced during the Toews and Kane years, when they won the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015.

Actor Jon Hamm, a die-hard Blues and St. Louis Cardinals fan, is confirmed for the Winter Classic, as is former Hawk Chris Chelios. Actor, diehard Cubs fan and frequent Wrigley visitor Bill Murray is expected to be there but not confirmed yet.

 Musical performances by The Smashing Pumpkins and Chance the Rapper will also highlight the festivities.



AP Photo/M. Spencer Green