Wrigley Field hosting fan fest Tuesday before Blackhawks, Blues face off in NHL Winter Classic

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Winter Classic is not exactly a matchup of two Stanley Cup contenders.

Still, fans ABC7 talked to say it is the atmosphere of outdoor hockey and the iconic Wrigley Field that make this game a can't-miss experience.

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"We watched the Winter Classic on TV, but to actually come down here and see everything that's being built up and everything, it's just amazing," said Maria Simon.

Maria and Brian Simon live in Florida. They are visiting their daughter, who now lives in Chicago, a move cemented by their beloved Blackhawks.

"The reason I moved here was, I experienced a Blackhawks game for like, the first time, and I was like, no, that's what I want to do. I'm going to move there, and I'm going to build a life there, and that's what I did," said Blackhawks fan Ashely Roeda.

Hockey is often a family affair. Even rival Blues fans traveled to Chicago with loved ones.

Nicholas and Brett Lloyd have been to multiple Winter Classics. This matchup is just the latest installment for a father-son duo bonded by their love of the game.

"The neatest part of the experience is sharing with him though. It was a Christmas present, the tickets, the jersey and the sock, hat and all that," Nicholas said.

There is nothing more family-friendly than the NHL Fanfest, a free and open to the public pre-game on Grace Street, just north of Wrigley Field.

Tuesday's event will be a top-shelf experience where you can take your best shot at a giant air hockey table. There is a question-and-answer featuring Wayne Gretzky at 1 p.m., and even the Stanley Cup will be in attendance.

"I think we'll see a lot of fans lined up before we open at 10:30 a.m., and we see it every year. Fans just rush to the cup, get in line and get their picture, and then kind of enjoy the rest of the festivities," said NHL Director of Events Vince Granieri.

And if you are in need of some new Hawks gear, you won't have to go far. Clark Street Sports is hoping to take advantage of the Winter Classic after a down year for Chicago sports.

"This year has been pretty tough. And actually, the last three years have been pretty tough, right? No playoff teams. Only the Cubs have even come close to sniffing the playoffs. So, it's been a rough kind of three-year period for sales in general," said Clark Street Sports Co-Owner Jason Caref.

The Fanfest starts at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and runs for five hours straight. It is free and open to the public leading up to game time. Puck drop between the Hawks and the Blues is set for 4 p.m.