Avalanche and Panthers to Open Budweiser Events Center
April 18, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release
Windsor, CO â The two-time Stanley Cup Champions, the Colorado Avalanche, and the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League have agreed to be a part of the activities that will open the home of the Eagles, the Budweiser Events Center, in a NHL exhibition game. The puck will drop at 7 p.m. September 20, 2003, the Colorado Eagles front office announced today.
"This will be an exciting event for hockey fans throughout Northern Colorado," said Ralph Backstrom, President and General Manager of the Colorado Eagles. "We will package this game with a lot of other interesting activities which will begin that morning. It is going to be a fun filled day that will always be remembered."
Eagles' season ticket holders will have exclusive first rights to purchase tickets for the first NHL game played in Northern Colorado. Season ticket holders and other fans will be able to see their favorite Avalanche players in action in a rematch of the 1996 Stanley Cup Finals when the Avalanche defeated Florida 4-0 for Colorado's first major sports championship.
"We have many fans in Northern Colorado and we are convinced that they are going to enjoy this special evening of hockey," said Pierre Lacroix, President and General Manager of the Colorado Eagles. "We are looking forward to the event and would like to wish the Colorado Eagles the best of luck with their inaugural season."
The Budweiser Events Center, managed by Global Spectrum, is still under construction, but on schedule. Once complete, 5,350 fans will be able to enjoy numerous events at the center including professional hockey.
"We are tremendously excited to host the Avalanche in the first hockey event at the Budweiser Events Center," said Jay Hardy, Larimer County Fairground Director. "The opportunity to work collectively with the Colorado Eagles is a great example of the partnerships formed between the county and its tenants."
The Eagles will begin their season as the Central Hockey League's 17th franchise in October 2003. Slated in the Northwest Division, the Eagles will play 32 home games at the Budweiser Events Center, excluding preseason and postseason games.
Tickets for the Avs-Panthers game will go on sale in June. Prices for the game and further details will be released in late May.
ECHL Stories from April 18, 2003
- Generals Wrap Up Record-Setting Season - Greensboro Generals
- Komets Survive Late Jackal Charge For 4-3 Win, Series Victory - Elmira Jackals
- Bullies Beat Gernerals 3-2, Win Division Finals - Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies
- Condors Win Community, Game Presentation Awards - Bakersfield Condors
- Generals Playoff Game Night Notes - Greensboro Generals
- Bombers Heading in New Direction - Dayton Bombers
- Steelheads Zamboni Playoff Cruise III - Idaho Steelheads
- Avalanche and Panthers to Open Budweiser Events Center - Colorado Eagles
- All Along The Coast - ECHL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
