The first Wrigley game in 2009 predated Mayer -- and, frankly, the NHL's cracking of the outdoor game code in general -- so it was exciting to see what a return trip would yield. They leaned into the brick wall and ivy motif around the rink, and thus the friendly confines looked great. Alas, the weather didn't always cooperate, with rain early in the game -- though not enough to delay things.
Each game has its signature virtues -- and in some cases, unique drawbacks. Here is our ranking of the 16 Winter Classic events: The NHL's outdoor games can be split up into two eras: The one before Steve Mayer arrived as Chief Content Officer in 2015 and everything after it.
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