WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder announced that American Idol contestant
Phil Stacey will perform before and during their first game at the
INTRUST Bank Arena on January 23rd.Stacey will sing the Star Spangled Banner prior to the Thunder's first ever game at their new home on Saturday, January 23rd and then perform during one of the intermissions. Stacey, a graduate of Northwest High School in Wichita, was one of the final six contestants during the sixth season of American Idol.
In addition to Stacey, the Thunder has many great promotions scheduled for the 2009-10 season. On December 5th, fans can "Win the Boss' Money" when Thunder General Manager Joel Lomurno will be giving away cold hard cash out of his Cincinnati Bengals velcro wallet, courtesy of Hajoca and Presto. Later in December, the Thunder pays tribute to their now defunct rivals, the Oklahoma City Blazers, for "Down in Flames Night" on the 26th.
December 29th marks a new promotion when Wichita holds its first "The Long and Short of it Night", presented by Salon Knotty. Prizes will be handed out all night for various categories, such as the tallest and shortest fan, longest and shortest hair, and biggest and smallest feet.
When the Thunder hosts the Odessa Jackalopes on January 9th, the franchise will say farewell to the Kansas Coliseum, which has been the home of the Thunder since its inception in 1992. That night, the Thunder plans to announce its "All-Kansas Coliseum Team".
The Thunder opens the brand new INTRUST Bank Arena on January 23rd. In addition to Phil Stacey's performance, the contest versus Tulsa is also the Thunder's annual "Pack the House Night", presented by Baker University and Furniture on Consignment.
Sonic Thunderdog celebrates his 17th birthday on January 30th when Wichita takes on the Rapid City Rush. Various mascots will be on hand, while the Thunder will wear commemorative jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game.
Youth Jersey night returns on Sunday, February 21st. The first 1,000 fans 12 and under in attendance receive a youth Thunder jersey, courtesy of Red Wing Shoe Store and Cricket Communications.
The home schedule wraps up on Sunday, March 14th against Missouri for the team's annual "Fandemonium", sponsored by Wichita Airline Maintenance, Sand Creek Station Golf Course, and Viega. Prizes and gifts will be given away throughout the night.
Other annual promotions inlcude "Toys 4 Tots Night", presented by A-OK Pawn and Carrabba's on November 28th, the Thunder Teddy Bear Toss, presented by Bank of the West on December 19th, and Thunder Team Photo Night, presented by Allegiant Air, America's Pub, Eaton Place, Newman University, 360 Wichita, and Liquid Sun on March 13th.
A complete list of the Thunder's promotions can be found here: http://wichitathunder.com/promotions.html
Wichita begins the 2009-10 season on Friday, October 16th when they host the Amarillo Gorillas at the Kansas Coliseum at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.
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