2019 NHL Winter Classic: Flurries may fly as Blackhawks and Bruins square off at Notre Dame Stadium

By Kevin Byrne, AccuWeather staff writer

December 31, 2018, 11:01:35 AM EST

The National Hockey League’s New Year’s Day tradition continues this year in South Bend, Indiana, as the Chicago Blackhawks face off against the Boston Bruins.

This year’s game will take place at Notre Dame Stadium on the campus of the University of Notre Dame and the weather should cooperate. The game will start around 1 p.m. EST.

“Temperatures will be in the low 30s in the morning and only rebound to the mid-30s for the afternoon hours,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Matt Greene said. “North-northwest winds will add some chill to the air with AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures in the mid-20s. There can be some flurries around before and during the game."

A bit of drizzle and freezing drizzle may also occur.

South Bend is located about 95 miles to the east of Chicago. 

Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo, right, controls the puck against Chicago Blackhawks right John Hayden during the second period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, March 11, 2018, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Conditions haven't always been favorable for the popular outdoor game. In 2011, the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh was moved from the afternoon to 8 p.m. EST due to rainy weather.

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An overcast sky is forecast for South Bend on Tuesday, which help limit the risk of sun glare causing a delay. 

In 2012, sun glare pushed caused the game between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia to be delayed for two hours.

It’s the second time in the history of the Winter Classic that the game is taking place on a college campus. The previous occurrence came in 2014 when the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs played at Michigan Stadium, located on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.