Photo by AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
The holidays might be just about buttoned up for the year, but the most wonderful time of the year is now for hockey fans. On Tuesday, January 2 at noon, the St. Louis Blues will face the rival Chicago Blackhawks in the 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic. The outdoor game, which will take place on a temporary rink inside Busch Stadium, is the perfect way to celebrate the Blues' 50th anniversary. Even if you didn't score tickets to the game, you can still take part in the many hockey-related events leading up to Tuesday.
Through March 4: 50 Years of Blood, Sweat and Cheers—A Tribute to the St. Louis Blues and their Fans
An exhibit dedicated to the team is now open at the St. Louis Public Library's Central Library. Visitors can see a ticket stub and stat sheets from the first Blues game, a 75-by-32-foot ice rink floor, a replica of the Blues locker room, and more. Many of the items included in the exhibit were donated by fans from across the nation. 1301 Olive. 10 a.m.– 9 p.m. Mon–Thu, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Fri and Sat.
Through January 8: Ice Skate on the Arch Grounds
A 46-by-92-foot temporary ice rink made of synthetic ice comes to Luther Ely Smith Square, located between the Arch and the Old Courthouse. The ice rink is part of Winterfest at the Arch, a two-week event hosted by the Blues and CityArchRiver. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. daily. Buy tickets onsite. 314-289-5300.
December 30: Winter Whiskey Warm-Up
Sample food and some of the the world's best whiskeys in the rotunda of the Old Courthouse. Upgrade to the VIP experience, and your ticket gets you into the Blues vs. Predators game at 7 p.m. Old Courthouse Rotunda, 11 N. 4th. 5:30–8:30 p.m.
December 31–January 2: NHL Pregame at Ballpark Village
Prep for Tuesday's game by hanging out at Ballpark Village, which will host a three-day fan festival. Activities include shooting pucks and snapping selfies with the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile. Just before the game on Sunday, Nelly will headline the entertainment, bringing St. Louis joy and pride to a fever pitch. 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Sat, noon–4 p.m. Sun, 9 a.m.–noon Mon. Ballpark Village, 601 Clark, stlballparkvillage.com.
December 31: 2017 Bridgestone NHL Alumni Game
Past luminaries from both teams return to the ice. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Midwest and KMOX. 1:30 p.m. Busch Stadium, 700 Clark.
January 1: New Year’s Day Skate & Street Hockey Tournament
The three-on-three street hockey tourney is no longer accepting entrants, but that doesn't mean you can't cheer on the 24 teams that will compete. Luther Ely Smith Square, 314-289-5300. Games begin at 10:30 a.m.
January 1: Rivalry Rally with Brett and Bobby Hull at Ballpark Village
KMOX and WGN team up with hockey alum for an evening of entertainment. Hear from Bobby and Brett Hull, Tony Esposito, Cam Janssen, and more. Then, hear the Thomas Nicholas Band debut songs from its forthcoming album. The free event will also include games, giveaways, and a photobooth. 4–7:15 p.m. Ballpark Village, 601 Clark.
January 2: 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic
Didn't score tickets? Watch the game with other Blues (or Blackhawks) fans at a local sports bar or neighborhood hangout. The game will be broadcast on NBC and KMOX. Noon. Busch Stadium, 700 Clark.
