After weeks of preparation and months of hype, the Winter Classic is nearly upon us.

Workers put the finishing touches on the playing surface Monday, painting the ice and getting the lines, circles and logos down. The first skating will be allowed today ahead of Wednesday's practices by the Blackhawks and Red Wings.

If you are going to the game Thursday, or simply plan to watch on television, here are 10 things you should know.

1. How are the sightlines?</p>

Not great, but not bad. It's a ballpark, remember.

The rink is set up from third base to first base, just to the outfield side of the pitching mound. Fans sitting in the first 10 rows of what are box seats for baseball will have a tough time seeing the action over the boards and might need to rely on the video boards being installed for the occasion.

The best seats are in the upper deck. And the center field bleachers, up by the scoreboard, might not be bad. You'll have a long view from the bleachers, though.

2. The Hawks will use the Cubs clubhouse and walk across the infield grass to the rink.

"It's going to be a lot like the movie "Mystery Alaska," when you start walking out there," said Hawks defenseman Brian Campbell, who played in the Winter Classic last New Year's Day while with the Buffalo Sabres. "You're walking in from a lot further than just off the bench and out of your room. You've got to walk through the whole thing."

3. The Red Wings will be stuck in the tiny visiting baseball clubhouse that's upstairs, above the concourse, on the first-base side.

Not only will the Red Wings have to trudge up and down those stairs about eight times, it's like a maze getting from the clubhouse to the dugout.

4. Here comes the sun.

If it's a bright and sunny day like Monday, how will it affect the game?

The team that's skating toward first base would have to look into the sun twice. That could be tough on the goalie. And half the ice could be in shadows by the end of the first period.

Dan Craig, the NHL's facilities operation director, said Monday those are questions to take up with Commissioner Gary Bettman and league vice president Colin Campbell.

"My job is to make the best ice possible," Craig said.

5. What to do before and after game.

In Wrigleyville? Please. There are bars and restaurants everywhere, so this shouldn't be a problem.

The NHL also will operate an area off Clark Street and Waveland Avenue that features live music and interactive attractions.

6. When will the gates open?

Fans can get into the ballpark starting at 10 a.m. Faceoff is at noon.

7. What to wear?

Think Bears game, so dress warm. It might be a good idea to buy some of those small heat pads for the hands and feet.

The players don't plan to wear anything unusual, unless it's gets really cold, but it's expected to be about 30 degrees.

"Guys are asking what to wear and I know I didn't wear anything else besides what I normally wear for a game," Campbell said.

8. How is the ice quality?

It should be up to NHL standards, or close to it. There were some minor problems in spots last January in Buffalo, but the NHL purchased an aluminum floor that Craig says reacts quickly to all elements.

The ice should be no problem for the Hawks and Red Wings, two of the fastest teams in the league.

9. What if it rains?

Game still on.

"Falling water will not affect the ice," Craig said. "It freezes as quickly as it hits."

10. Will parking be any better than it is for a Cubs game?

No chance. Basically, there is no parking around Wrigley Field except for a few small lots where it'll cost you close to a week's pay. Take the Red Line.