2,000,000 fans and counting
February 2, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release
Albany N.Y. â The Albany River Rats announced today that the organization will acknowledge its two millionth fan in franchise history on February 14, 2004. The number is a first for any professional sports franchise in the Capital District and will be celebrated at the Valentine's Day Matinee versus Manchester at 4:00pm. The festivities will include a host of River Rat giveaways, themed intermission entertainment and an appearance by Scooby-Doo. The River Rats and 94Rock will also be giving fans a chance to win a grand prize of $30,000 towards a new car from Wedekind Pontiac.
"We're extremely proud to welcome our two millionth fan," said Garen Szablewski, River Rats President and CEO. "Its something no other professional sports team in the area has been able to accomplish, but our thanks go to the fans and families of the Capital District because we couldn't have done it without them."
At press time the River Rats' cumulative attendance stands at 1,999,321 and the team expects to hit the two million mark prior to its February 14 celebration at Pepsi Arena. During the game, six lucky fans will be randomly selected to participate in an on-ice skills challenge for the grand prize. Other prizes include a Pro Dynamics home theater system (a $2,000 value), a trip to the ESPN Campus in Bristol, CT where the lucky winner will spend time on the set of SportsCenter and much more. The first 2,000 children 12 and under through the doors will receive a free River Rats trading card set courtesy of Kinko's. In addition, The Perfect Wedding Guide will be awarding a $10,000 Wedding Honeymoon package to one lucky âRiver Rats' couple.
The Albany River Rats, established in 1993, are the AHL affiliate of the Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils. Operated by Capital District Sports, Inc., the team plays its home games at the Pepsi Arena in Albany NY. Historically averaging 180,000 fans per season, the team hit its all-time high attendance mark of 244,040 fans during 1995-1996 season, one year after winning the 1995 Calder Cup championship.
For more information about the 2,000,000th Fan celebration, please contact the River Rats at (518) 487-2244.
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