2011 Winter Classic Facts and Notes

Established as a New Year’s Day tradition among fans, the 2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic will mark the fourth consecutive season the NHL has played a regular-season outdoor game on New Year’s Day. The Buffalo Sabres hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins at Ralph Wilson Stadium on New Year’s Day 2008, the Chicago Blackhawks hosted the Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Day 2009 and the Boston Bruins hosted the Philadelphia Flyers at Fenway Park on New Year’s Day 2010.

Some interesting facts and information heading into Saturday’s game:

1 Cable cam will be utilized in NBC’s coverage, a first for an NHL game

3D The NHL Winter Classic will be broadcast in 3D worldwide

22 Million dollars of economic impact to the city of Pittsburgh, according to VisitPittsburgh

31 Percentage increase in traffic to NHL.com last year over 2009 Classic

53 Length, in feet, of the world’s largest mobile rink refrigeration unit, specially built for the NHL Winter Classic

76 Broadcast cameras (all networks) will capture all the NHL Winter Classic action at Heinz Field including a cable cam and an airplane cam

300 Ton capacity of refrigeration trailer that will keep the ice cool at Heinz Field

350 Gallons of paint to make Heinz Field ice white

498 Combined career goals scored by Alex Ovechkin (283) and Sidney Crosby (215) in 844 career games

571 Points accumulated by both Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby individually in career regular-season NHL games

3,000 Gallons of coolant used to freeze the Heinz Field rink

5,000 Square foot temporary Winter Classic store created by Dick’s Sporting Goods in Pittsburgh leading into the event

10,000 Gallons of water needed to create a one-inch deep ice surface on Heinz Field

30,000 Fans from the Washington D.C. area are scheduled to make the trip to Pittsburgh for the NHL Winter Classic

68,000 Approximate number of fans will attend the NHL Winter Classic at Heinz Field