Minneapolis so cold that NHL is warming ice for Winter Classic

Winter Classic in Minnesota could be coldest game in NHL history

The NHL Winter Classic at Target Field in Minneapolis could be the coldest game in NHL history, with a subzero temperature and wind chill expected at the 6PM puck drop. It's sol cold in Minnesota the NHL is actually warming the ice for the Winter Classic to get closer to the optimal surface temperature of 22 degrees.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The NHL Winter Classic in Minneapolis has set the record as the coldest game in NHL history, with a temperature of about -7 degrees when the puck dropped for the Minnesota Wild vs St. Louis Blues at 6:20 p.m. CT. The temperature was expected to be about -4 degrees and the wind chill was expected to about -18 at the time of the game.

FOX 9’s Mace Michaels is the game day meteorologist for Target Field. He spoke with Minnesota Twins head groundskeeper Larry DeVito who said the NHL will be warming the ice for the Winter Classic. The ideal surface temperature for the ice is 22 degrees, or else it gets too brittle.

Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues fans brave the cold for Winter Classic

On a night with a temperatures below zero, the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues will face off for Winter Classic at Target Field Saturday. Here's how fans are feeling about the cold.

Warming the ice for Winter Classic

According to NHL.com: "The floor of the Winter Classic ice rink is made of 283 aluminum ice pans. A mobile refrigeration unit pumps glycol through pipes to the pans and back to the truck to transfer heat… When the air temperature is above the optimum ice temperature, the glycol and aluminum pans transfer heat away from the ice. But when the air temperature is below the optimum ice temperature, it transfers heat to the ice."

LIVE CAMERA: IDS Center (West) looking at Target Field

The NHL is using two custom made heaters for the Winter Classic in Minnesota. Crews are able to keep the temperature within a half-degree of their settings.

Winter Classic will go on in Minneapolis despite brutal cold

Jim Rich got an up close preview of the Winter Classic on Thursday at Target Field.

Keeping hockey fans warm

Blankets will be allowed inside Target Field
Hand warmers will be provided
Heated areas will be accessible to fans

MORE: Fans brave the cold for Winter Classic

Wind chill advisory

Wind chill advisories are in effect for most of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. You can check active alerts at fox9.com/weather-alerts and on the FOX 9 Weather App.