This year’s Winter Classic between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues will feature top-notch entertainment and a few new surprises when the NHL’s outdoor series lands at Wrigley Field on December 31st.

The Smashing Pumpkins and Chance the Rapper will perform in the prelude and first intermission, respectively.

“For two bands, we’re really leaning toward Chicago,” Steve Mayer, NHL president of content and events, said Thursday. The Smashing Pumpkins “will be a large part of the opening presentation for players.”

The Blackhawks will host the Blues, who will be wearing vintage sweaters when the puck drops on New Year’s Eve. It is the second Winter Classic at Wrigley – the first was on January 1, 2009 against the Detroit Red Wings – and the third NHL outdoor game in Chicago – the Hawks played in a Stadium Series game against the Pittsburgh on March 1, 2014 Penguin’s Soldier Field.

Mayer added that players will come to Wrigley in a “unique way,” which will remain secret until game day.

NHL officials sought to maintain a touch of Chicago and Wrigley in their designs for the remodeled rink.

“Unfortunately, the ivy doesn’t survive on the outfield wall year-round, so we brought in our own ivy, which is a large part of the overall design,” Mayer said.

The main rink will cover the infield and shallow center portion. An additional ice rink will be installed in left field and space will be used in right field for a New Year’s Eve party.

This will be the first of 16 Winter Classics held before January 1st or 2nd. Dean Matsuzaki, executive vice president of NHL events, said work on remodeling the ballpark will begin in earnest on Dec. 16.

After a two-day Christmas break, workers will begin painting lines and logos as well as installing decorations, the stage for artists and other elements.