Making our way to Heinz Field at approximately 11:00 A.M. Thursday morning, the staff of Intersports Network and myself checked in with the NHL Winter Classic and recieved our media credentials. Day 1 of filming began with an arena tour, as we walked throughout the stadium capturing various photos and video coverage. Stills and video included the NHL ice surface planted in the center of the surrounding football stadium seating, the community ice rink where youth league teams battled one another, press box views of the ice, media rooms, a press conference and more. There were also sightings of Pittsburgh Penguins Assistant Coach, Tony Granato and NHL analyst, Barry Melrose, along with several other recognizable staff members from networks such as the NHL, HBO, MSG, Versus, etc.

Following a staff lunch, it was time for the Media Skate at 1:00 P.M. All media staff had the privelage of lacing up their skates and walking down the arena entrance hallway, which led to the rubber-matted outdoor pathway, and onto the arena ice - the same ice where the Penguins and Capitals will face one another in Saturday's main event. Stride after stride and lap after lap, it was an amazing feeling to be out on that ice, staring out at the thousands of yellow seats. Gliding throughout the outdoor ice surface - snapping pictures of the seats, the center ice logo, the player benches, the penalty boxes - It was a special moment. It was one of those times when you didn't want to run off and do something else or go somewhere else because you were afraid you would miss something. Taking short strides and slowly gliding, with a camera in one hand and a tape recorder in another, and staring out at so much all at once, I did not want that final buzzer to sound. While I'll get into more detail at a later time, I'll sum it up with saying that this moment, on the arena ice, is one that I will cherish and never forget.

The final buzzer eventually sounded and we were off to a Media Briefing which featured a Press Conference with John Collins, the Chief Operating Officer for the NHL. Collins expressed the success of the previous Winter Classic games, along with the importance and value of hosting this year's event at Heinz Field and in the city of Pittsburgh. Treating this event like the NHL's 'Superbowl' or 'World Series', Collins believes this year's setting can be a great success - the value of Heinz Field hosting the event, HBO's exposure of the 24/7 NHL series, the heated rivalry between the Penguins and Capitals, the Crosby/Ovechkin rivalry, and the overall team and city history of Pittsburgh. While weather conditions are a major concern for Saturday's game, Collins repeatedly noted,

"The weather and its elements are part of the story…weather can change and it's too early to predict…We plan on beginning our coverage at 1:00 P.M. Saturday."

Reflecting on the importance of this game and what the Winter Classic is all about, Collins later added,

"This is a time when you can put aside your passion for your local team and celebrate the game of hockey."

Day 1 concluded with sandwiches at the famous Primanti Brothers restaurant. I, however, elected to have my french fries, cole slaw and tomato on the side, rather than on the actual sandwich - a feature not too common at Primanti's, as each sandwich on their menu comes with all the works.

For now, it's time to rest up, upload some pictures and videos, and deliver some new blogs. The Thursday nightlife awaits, which will be followed by an 8:30 A.M. Heinze Field arrival Friday morning. The pucks drops at 9:30 A.M. for the Penguins and Capitals Alumni game, followed by the current Penguins practice at 11:30 A.M., and the Capitals at 2:00 P.M.