Like a Fan on a Cold Tin Roof

Wrigleyville’s rooftops may open for highly anticipated hockey game

The rooftops around Wrigley Field usually don't see very much action during baseball's off-season. But that could change for the NHL's Winter Classic on New Year's Day.

The Winter Classic is a regular-season game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings that will be played outdoors on January 1, 2009, at Wrigley Field. The two teams will wear vintage-style uniforms.

Wrigley hosted the Chicago Bears' football games from 1921 through 1970, but this will be the first time a hockey game will be played at the historic ballpark.

During the spring and summer months, fans flood the rooftops of the Field's surrounding buildings to cheer on the Cubs. Alderman Tom Tunney (44th Ward) is hoping to fill those seats with hockey enthusiasts as well.

"It's a fierce rivalry. Interest is very high, and ticket prices are very high. There's an opportunity for the rooftops to do some business," Tunney told the Sun-Times.

"For the concerts [by Jimmy Buffett and the Police], the rooftops were not that good a seat. We let them be open, but they didn't benefit financially. This time, the rooftops will have a saleable seat. Center ice is around second base."

It shouldn't be difficult for rooftop club owners to make a buck.

Blackhawks President John McDonough has described the event as "the toughest regular-season ticket to secure in the history of Chicago sports."

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