The frigid cold we've been expecting has arrived. And it is coming with even colder temps this weekend.
That’s just in time for another major sporting event in the Twin Cities. There are only three days until the Winter Classic at Target Field.
Minnesota Wild president Matt Majka says they're taking the extremely cold temperatures seriously. He says Target Field, despite being mainly a summer-time destination, does have areas for fans to find relief from the bitter cold.
“They have those heaters on the concourses, which I think is going to come in reall handy on Saturday,” Majka tells WCCO Radio. “We all have to be smart here. Just smartly, warmly layer, be ready, then celebrate our native sport here.”
Saturday's temps aren't expected to be above zero. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.
It’s the first time Minnesota is hosting the Winter Classic. The NHL has now staged 32 modern outdoor games and this one might be the coldest yet.
The coldest NHL outdoor game was the first, the Heritage Classic between the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on Nov. 22, 2003. The temperature at face-off was 0.
There could be issues with the ice which can actually be affected if it is too cold. It can chip and flake off in extreme cold. The NHL will actually have heaters to keep the ice warm enough to play on.
Despite the cold, the NHL is saying the game will definitely go on.
NHL chief content officer Steve Mayer told NHL.com, "As with any outdoor game, weather is a factor. We clearly recognize that when we go to any venue. As of right now, we are confident the game will go on as planned."
WCCO Meteorologist Paul Douglas is saying wind chills at game-time will be around 10 to 15 below zero, perhaps reaching as low as -20.