Dallas (WBAP/KLIF) – The National Hockey League is busy preparing for the Winter Classic as the Dallas Stars take on the Nashville Predators on New Years Day. Steve Mayer, with the NHL says the Cotton Bowl will be completely transformed as they prepare for the big game in front of a sold out crowd. The NHL is building an ice rink in the middle of the stadium for the outdoor game. Mayer says they expect about 80 thousand fans to show up for the event.