Countdown to the Season Continues Friday

Published on October 3, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," is scheduled to host its sixth annual "Fan Fest" event this Sunday, lasting from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Stockton Arena.

The event is free-of-charge and open the public, providing fans with a rare opportunity to interact with Thunder players and coaching staff, collect autographs and photos and pick up brand new Thunder merchandise for the season while experiencing a taste of the Thunder game night experience that has drawn over 6,000 fans per game for six straight seasons.

"Fan Fest is always a great day for our fans as they get to see and meet the players for the first time," said Thunder president Dan Chapman. "The players are always very engaging and it's a nice informal atmosphere as we prepare for what is certain to be another exciting season of Thunder hockey."

All fans are asked to enter Stockton Arena through the South Entrance, located just behind Banner Island Ballpark. After doors open at 4:00 p.m., fans will be treated to a Skills Competition event which will feature the players and coaches mic'ed up on the ice, offering a unique "up close" experience.

Thunder players will participate in events such as Puck Control Relay, Hardest Shot and Breakaway Relay. The expanded event will include a special raffle, offering fans a chance to take their shot at a Thunder goaltender on the ice and a unique "empty net" shot competition for goaltenders.

The Fan Deck will be open during the event, where all fans will have a chance to win Thunder prizes and present kids with a chance to enroll in the new, no cost Thor's "Kids Club."

Following the Skills Competition, several members of the Thunder will sign autographs for fans on the Fan Deck. Fans can also bring their hockey and lifestyle questions for their favorite player and coaching staff from 5-6 p.m. in the Comcast Club for a special "Q&A Session," hosted by Thunder radio play-by-play announcer Mike Benton.

Fans can take advantage of social media outlets at their fingertips and also submit questions in advance through the Thunder Facebook page at www.facebook.com/StocktonThunder and Twitter site via @StocktonThunder.

New Thunder merchandise will be on sale "Fan Attic," the official team store of the Thunder throughout the event and select concessions will be available for fans to sample the taste of a Thunder game.

Fans in attendance will be able to pick up their 2011-12 Season Ticket books and mini-plan ticket packages. In addition to individual game tickets, fans will also be able to purchase discounted parking (Stockton Arena parking garage) on Thunder home games, offered at just $12 per game for a package of all 36 games or 18 games. Special discount parking is available for purchase through Friday, November 4.

Friday night at Stockton Arena will also help usher in the countdown to Opening Night of the ECHL season. The Thunder will open its doors to Stockton Arena for a special $10 price ($5 for Season Ticket Holders) on general admission tickets when they open the preseason schedule against the Bakersfield Condors at 7:30 p.m.

General Admission tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, at all Ticketmaster outlets or at the Stockton Arena Ticket Office.

OPENING NIGHT AND TICKET INFORMATION

Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 14, when the Thunder opens the 2011-12 regular season at home against the Colorado Eagles, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena. The game will be a historic ECHL event to welcome in the Eagles, who will play in their inaugural game after spending the previous eight seasons in the Central Hockey League.

The Thunder are freezing most Season Ticket prices for the 2011-12 season, which are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (209) 373-1500 or by visiting www.stocktonthunder.com. Thunder Season Ticket Holders enjoy the highest-demanded seating locations in Stockton Arena, benefits including admission to Season Ticket Holder-only events, discount opportunities on Thunder merchandise, a free e-newsletter, an exclusive gift, admission to the first two rounds of the Kelly Cup Playoffs and more.

For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

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