Merchandise is stocked in preparation for the NHL hockey 2012 Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, in Philadelphia. The New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers are scheduled to play on Jan. 2.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The NHL and City of Philadelphia are getting in the holiday spirit — they'll be co-hosting a free three-day outdoor festival for fans during the NHL Winter Classic weekend.
The festival will transform the area just outside the gates of Citizens Bank Park into an outdoor hockey and entertainment festival for fans of all ages with live music, interactive hockey-themed attractions, prizes and giveaways.
The festival space, dubbed 'Spectator Plaza' will be open to the public from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (all times ET) on Dec. 31 and from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Jan. 1. On game day it will be open at 9 a.m. until puck drop of the Winter Classic at 1 p.m.
The events
- Fans can test their shooting skills at Spectator Plaza as they go one-on-one against a goalie in a shootout as a play-by-play announcer makes calls from a broadcast booth during the competition.
- A special fan autograph session with NHL alumni on Dec. 31.
- Other events include an accuracy shooting contest, a hockey suit up challenge, bubble hockey and video game tournaments as wel as trivia games. Some sample prizes up for grabs include NHL game tickets and a trip to the 2012 NHL Awards in Las Vegas.
- Other attractions include an NHL locker room set up where fans can try on and take pictures in the actual jerseys and equipment used by their favorite athletes.
- As for live entertainment, 'The ZOO,' a local cover band, will play during the pre-game celebration at Spectator Plaza on Jan. 2.
