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The 2012 Winter Classic banners have been hung as the Winter Classic Build-Out continues, leading up to Day 1 of the fan festival on December 31. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

When the news about the Winter Classic coming to Philly first broke in September, we knew it was going to be huge.

But as the Flyers vs. Rangers outdoor battle gets closer and closer, it seems like with each day, an even more awesome element is added to the mix.

First, there was the the 24/7 HBO series, as well as the star-studded alumni rosters for the special Alumni Game on December 31.

Then the news broke that public skating will be available on the outdoor ice rink on the field of Citizens Bank Park.

And now comes word that the NHL will host a free, three-day fan festival just outside the gates of Citizens Bank Park during the major Winter Classic events, December 31-January 2.

Called the Winter Classic Spectator Plaza, the festival will transform Citizens Bank Way, between Phillies Drive and Pattison Avenue, into an outdoor entertainment venue for fans of all ages with live music, interactive hockey-themed attractions, giveaways, food, beverages and officially licensed team merchandise.

Test your shooting skills as you go one-on-one against a Bridgestone goalie in a fun slap shot shootout.

Step in from the cold at the Molson Canadian Hockey House, where you can compete for prizes at bubble hockey and video games, see how fast you can suit up in goalie gear and raise a cup of cold Coors Light or Molson Canadian.

Food-wise, Aramark has enlisted Bassett’s Original Memphis BBQ from Moorestown, Jose Garces’ Guapos Tacos food truck and the Nomad Pizza Co. wood-fired pizza truck.

Green bonus: NHL Green™ has partnered with Restore Hockey to collect used hockey equipment at Spectator Plaza as part of the “Recycling the Game” program. Restore Hockey will refurbish the donations, and redistribute gear to the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation. A mobile solar unit will power the NHL Green tent.

We are completely stoked for Winter Classic Week, a huge coup for Philadelphia sports fans. The Winter Classic celebrates ice hockey’s traditional outdoor roots, and we literally can’t think of a better place to host the event than the awesome setting of Citizens Bank Park.

Winter Classic Spectator Plaza
When: December 31, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; January 1, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; January 2, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Citizens Bank Way, between Phillies Drive and Pattison Avenue
Cost: Free!
More info: www.nhl.com