The boards and glass and netting are all up, and dozens of workers have been busy around the rink installing the summer/winter scene that was showcased in the rendering of the field design the League released Monday.
“We’re going to have fun,” Mayer said. “We like to make it an interactive experience from the time you walk into the building to the time you leave, and we like to have fun. We take it seriously, but we also want people to have a big smile on their face and be entertained. This is a show. There’s a hockey game that goes on, and that is so important. I mean, this is a big game, Panthers-Rangers; when we’re in April, this could be a game that determines whether a team makes the playoffs or not.
“But we also know that people are here for an experience — for something different — and we’re going to give it to them and we’re going to have some fun along the way.”
The NHL has been building the rink and set for the Winter Classic with the stadium’s retractable roof closed and air conditioning units blasting, so the outside weather conditions — namely the sun and potential rain — hasn’t impacted the process.
The roof won’t be on at the start of the game Friday, but Mayer stressed that too will be part of the fan experience, so he would not say when it will open, preferring to keep it a surprise.
“Put it this way, when people walk into the building and the doors open two hours before the game the roof will be closed,” he said. “That’s all I’ll say.”
The League is also optimistic about the weather for the 8 p.m. ET start Friday.
“It’s going to be a spectacular night; maybe even a little cold for Florida, but for us, perfect,” Mayer said. “We’ll be in the low 60s, high 50s, and for an outdoor game that’s absolutely wonderful. We’ll be able to maintain the ice throughout the game. All signs are pointing to us taking the risk out of the equation and being able to put on a great game.”
Avoiding the sun is the reason the game will start in the evening as opposed to the afternoon, which has historically been when most Winter Classic games are played.
