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OHL Erie Otters

Erie Otters Unveil 2023-24 Promotions and Giveaways Calendar

August 25, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Erie, Pennsylvania - The most anticipated promotional schedule in the Ontario Hockey League is here, as the Erie Otters look ahead to season 27 in the Flagship City.

Last season's promotional calendar helped the team boast a nearly 20 percent increase in single-game attendance, including back-to-back regular season Saturday night sellouts. From the return of fan-favorite promotions, to new and unique nights never before done in Erie, the 2023-24 season calendar truly has something to fit everyone's taste.

Senior Vice President of Business Operations Chad Westerburg and Otters marketing & promotions team worked to craft a schedule reflective of the excitement and anticipation to come from the team on the ice.

"We can't wait for puck drop on September 30. We want to create an environment that is entertaining and exciting for fans to not only watch competitive hockey, but to have fun while being at Erie Insurance Arena." said Westerburg, "With bigger giveaways, special character appearances, new promotional nights, and bands, there will be something here for everyone this season."

Mark your calendars, find your favorite nights, and get ready for the 27th season of hockey in downtown Erie - Otters style!

SEPTEMBER

For the 27th time in team history, the Erie Otters take the ice for the Home Opener (pres. by Erie County Community College of Pennsylvania / EC3) at 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 30. Hours before doors open and the Otters take the ice, the organization will host its second-annual Home Opener Fan Fest, featuring live music, family-friendly activities, and more.

When the doors officially open, the first 2500 fans in attendance will receive a free Erie Otters / EC3 gold tee shirt, as the Otters prepare for a gold-out against the Mississauga Steelheads. Looking to commemorate the start of the new season? Why not take a photo with friends in front of the bright, big balloon and light display from Rubber Ducky Balloon Designs around the concourse!

OCTOBER

The Otters open up October by giving you something worth sticking on the fridge - it's our Magnet Schedule Giveaway (pres. by Harrell Automotive). The first 1500 fans in attendance will receive a free 2023-24 Erie Otters Magnet Schedule.

Let's go to the beach! Saturday, October 21 is the last celebration of the summer sun and lazy days in the sand for Tiki Luau Night. Want to meet a real life Parrot? Or maybe you just want to soak in the sounds of Jimmy Buffett? Don't let that sunburn fade just yet - we're in for a beachin' time!

Calling all families - our Sunday Family Funday promotion is back, with an all-new 4:00 P.M. start time! Every Sunday during the 2023-24 season, the first 500 kids in the door receive a free popcorn and soft drink. Sunday, October 22 is our first Family Funday of the year, and we're making this a supreme Sunday! Following the game, all fans are invited to Perry's Tavern (inside the Flagship City Food Hall) for a post-game party with the players!

Chills & thrills await as the Eerie Otters come to town for Haunted Hockey Night. Rock those costumes a few days early, and get ready for a costume contest, trick-or-treating in the concourse, and a spooktacular Saturday to go into Halloween.

NOVEMBER

Who doesn't love a deal? This season, we're upgrading the start of the weekend from Happy Hour to 3-2-1 Fridays! Every Friday home game - starting on Friday, November 10 - fans can enjoy $3 Labatt Blue Light, $2 hot dogs, and $1 popcorn until the start of the third period. More bang for your buck every Friday night!

On Veterans Day, the Otters honor those who serve and have served in the United States and Canadian Militaries on Military Appreciation Night (pres. by UPMC Health Plan & UPMC Hamot). On top of our ceremonies for all the branches of the militaries, the Otters will also take the ice in warm ups in a specialty military-themed jersey. After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned off to benefit Disabled American Veterans Chapter 73. All gave some, Some gave all.

The Otters and Highmark Caring Place (Erie) combine forces once more for the second-annual Children's Grief Awareness Night (pres. by Highmark Caring Place) on Friday, November 17. Last season was the inaugural edition of the promotional night in sports history, and gave hope to those wearing blue around the world. This year HCP, the Otters, and Erie Apparel are teaming up for an even bigger celebration and honoring of those grieving than ever before. It's also a 3-2-1 Friday - fans can enjoy $3 Labatt Blue Light, $2 hot dogs, and $1 popcorn until the start of the third period. It's okay to not be okay!

Ring the bell and drop the gloves! On Saturday, November 18 the London Knights come to town for Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Night. The first 1500 fans through the door will receive the first of our series of four bobbleheads (pres. by Rebich Investments), defenseman and enforcer Owain Johnston. With Johnston's bobblehead's knuckles drawn ready to "Rock 'Em", be ready to "Sock 'Em" during the first intermission in our third-annual Sock Toss (benefitting Community Shelter Services) to benefit those in need in our community. More activations and fun to come - make sure to learn the real lyrics to Sweet Caroline!

The best holiday tradition in Erie returns for its 48th year, as the Otters host hockey on Thanksgiving evening at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 23. Get your fix of turkey in the afternoon with your family, and then partake in hot dogs and hockey for the evening with your folks. For the third-straight year, the Otters will host the Soo Greyhounds for the only time in the season on Thanksgiving.

Holiday tradition continues after Black Friday, as Saturday, November 25 at 7:00 P.M. welcomes back the 15th Annual Teddy Bear Toss (pres. by Erie Homes for Children & Adults). Stock up on those teddy bears early, and be ready to litter the ice after the Otters score their first goal of the night. All teddy bears will be collected, cleaned, dried, and given to children in need in the Erie community during the holiday season.

DECEMBER

November is National Native American Heritage Month, and all month long the Erie Otters will commemorate and raise awareness on Indigenous communities and trailblazers. Once November ends, the Otters first game of December will continue this honoring and recognition on Native Heritage Night. Working alongside the not-for-profit organizations of Hockey Indigenous and the Orange Jersey Project, as well as Indigenous artists, the Otters will take the ice in orange Truth & Reconciliation jerseys with a never-before-seen version of the logo. This night will create a fun, educational environment behind Native American & First Nations nations. The second bobblehead in our four bobblehead series will be given away for free to the first 1500 fans featuring proud Mohawk, 2023 NHL Draft Pick, and Otters forward Carey Terrance (pres. by Rebich Investments).

The final 3-2-1 Friday of the season is Friday, December 15! One last time, fans can enjoy $3 Labatt Blue Light, $2 hot dogs, and $1 popcorn until the start of the third period. More bang for your buck one last Friday night!

Get ready to Jingle Bell Rock! Our final home game before holiday break is Saturday, December 16 for Winter Wonderland Night. We're bringing the holiday season indoors with balloon & light displays from Rubber Ducky Balloon Designs, appearances from Santa Claus and the Grinch, and an exclusive post-game skate with players after the game. Happy Holidays!

For one-night-only on Saturday, December 30 we throw it back to the ECHL days in the "Civic Center" for Erie Panthers Night (pres. by United Way of Erie County). For the first time since 1996, the Erie Panthers jerseys will be worn during a game at the Erie Insurance Arena. The first 2000 fans in attendance will receive a free Erie Panthers Pennant (pres. by United Way of Erie County), as we relive the days of the high-scoring, high-hitting, high-octane Panthers Hockey. Restore the Roar!

Start the countdown! It's a New Year's Rockin' Eve (pres. by Printing Concepts) on Sunday, December 31. With a photobooth around the concourse and a way to pre-party your New Year's party, we'll drop the puck before the ball drops on 2023. Be ahead of the curve for 2024 with a free Otters Calendar (pres. by Printing Concepts) for the first 1500 fans in attendance. See you next year!

JANUARY Are Ya Ready Kids?! Dive into the nostalgic Saturday mornings of your youth on Nickelodeon Night on Saturday, January 6. Get ready for an animated adventure featuring your favorite cartoon characters, and a very special game jersey that'll bring out your inner child (benefitting Erie Homes for Children & Adults). Don't miss this blast from the past with the Otters! More information and specific themes for this night to be unveiled later on.

A night of compassion takes place for Mental Health Awareness Night (pres. by NAMI Erie County) on Wednesday, January 10. Join us for an empowering evening as we break the ice around mental health, promoting understanding and support. Through useful information, informative testimonials, and a game that tackles stigma head-on, we will skate towards a stronger, united community. Faceoff against misconceptions and score a goal for mental health on this impactful night with the Erie Otters and NAMI.

The stars of tomorrow are the true stars! On Saturday, January 13 it's a celebration of a growing favorite promotion, Youth Sports Night. Coinciding with the historic MLK Youth Hockey Tournament, this night is sure to be full of future sports stars from the Erie region and beyond. The first 1500 fans in the arena will receive a free Matthew Schaefer bobblehead (pres. by Rebich Investments) - the third in the four bobblehead series.

The kickoff to Black History Month commemoration! On Monday, January 15 at 2:00 P.M., the Otters host the third-annual Martin Luther King Jr. Game. For the third-straight season, this game will feature the elevation of an up-and-coming Black Play-by-Play Broadcaster to call the game for OHL Live on CHL TV.

The Force is strong with these fans! The always-popular Star Wars Night (pres. by the Millcreek Mall) strikes back on Saturday, January 27 - as the London 'Knights of Ren' come to town. This is episode three of Erie and London playing on Star Wars Night in the last three seasons. The first 2500 fans in attendance will receive a free "Let's Go Otters" / Star Wars player poster (pres. by the Millcreek Mall). All around the concourse, fan favorite characters from the Star Wars saga will be in attendance for photo opportunities, and in-game, plenty of intergalactic fun will be had. This game was the first sellout of the season in 2022-23, and Otters fans are expected to do it again.

FEBRUARY

School is back in session to start February! On the morning of Thursday, February 1 school's out for the Otters for the School Day Game (pres. by UPMC Health Plan & UPMC Hamot). Students will have the chance to learn more about the Otters, hockey, and the science and math behind the game with our Education Packets. On the ice, educational entertainment will delight and teach students of all ages.

We Are! Penn State! On Saturday, February 3, that chant becomes a mantra in downtown Erie for Penn State Night (pres. by Penn State Behrend). The Otters will take the ice in specialty Penn State themed game jerseys, and the White Out will officially be on. From appearances by the Lion, to a Penn State themed balloon & light display from Rubber Ducky Balloon Designs, this is the ultimate night for fans of Happy Valley!

It's time to birthday bash! On Saturday, February 17 Otto's birthday celebration gets underway in the fan-favorite Mascot Mania (pres. by Chick-fil-A). How better to celebrate the birthday otter than with the final bobblehead in our bobblehead series, as the first 1500 fans receive a free Otto Bobblehead (pres. by Rebich Investments). To make the night even better, Chick-fil-A will be handing out free coupons. Otto's friends from all around the Tri-States will be out for photos, games on the ice, and general wackiness around the arena. This night of hilarity will be a delight for the whole family!

Dropping the mitts to fight for a cause! In collaboration with UPMC, Hockey Fights Cancer (pres. by UPMC Health Plan & UPMC Hamot) weekend begins at 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 24. The Otters will be adorned in Cancer Awareness specialty jerseys to benefit the Hamot Health Foundation. Around the concourse will be balloon & light displays from Rubber Ducky Balloon Designs. Saturday's game will also be the kickoff to UPMC's Member Appreciation Weekend - all members of the UPMC Health Plan, keep your eyes out in February for your voucher for free tickets to the weekends games.

HFC, UPMC Member Appreciation Weekend, and February all come to a close simultaneously on Sunday, February 25 for Sunday Family Funday. On top of the all-new 4:00 P.M. start time, every Sunday during the season, the first 500 kids in the door receive a free popcorn and soft drink.

MARCH

It's a youth revolution! One of the most popular promotions of the last two seasons is back - it's the Kids Takeover Game (pres. by Wendy's) on Saturday, March 9. The kids of Erie and surrounding counties will once again take over the jobs of game night - from Junior Public Address Announcer to our Kids' Coaching Staff, and all the mayhem in between. Alongside United Way of Erie County's Community Schools Program, the Otters logo and player headshots will be designed entirely by local students for the night. Adults get in on the fun too - look out for free PA Lottery online play vouchers around the concourse (pres. by the Pennsylvania Lottery).

For one last time in the 2023-24 season, it's Sunday Family Funday. On Sunday, March 10 at 4:00 P.M., the first 500 kids in the door receive a free popcorn and soft drink. On top of that, the first 1000 fans will receive a free 2023-24 Erie Otters Team Card Set (pres. by Turn 2 Sports Cards & Collectibles). Following the game, Otters players will be available for an autograph session all around the concourse.

Who runs the world? On Wednesday, March 13, the Otters host the third-annual Women's Empowerment Night (pres. by Erie Women's Empowerment). As an organization with a history of strong, empowered women leading the way, the Otters are thrilled to encourage and teach the next generation of women professionals. During the night, the Otters and Erie Women's Empowerment will welcome women-owned businesses out for a Women's Vendor Fair around the concourse. Leading up to the night, the two organizations will co-host a Women Leaders webinar, showcasing the women trailblazing in business, in hockey, and beyond!

There's no bigger party in Erie than that of a St. Patrick's Day Celebration, and while the Otters may not play on the day of the holiday, the team will still celebrate in style on Saturday, March 16. Before the game, the Otters will hit the ice in Luck O' The Irish green warmup jerseys. A St. Patrick's themed balloon & light display from Rubber Ducky Balloon Displays will be around the concourse for all photo needs. Wear your green garb after the annual parade, and get ready for a night of fun downtown - before your night of fun downtown!

All good things must come to an end, and on Saturday, March 25 the final regular season game occurs for Fan Appreciation Night (pres. by Plyler Entry Systems). The first 1500 fans in attendance will receive a free 2023-24 Erie Otters team poster (pres. by Plyler Entry Systems). Additionally, there will be giveaways all night for Season Ticket Members and all fans, as we say thank you to the best fans in hockey - and hopefully begin to rev up for the 2024 OHL Playoffs!

Giveaways, specialty nights, and appearances all season long - the year of the Otter is ahead! Don't miss a single moment of the new year of Otters Hockey; 2023-24 Full Season Tickets are on sale now for as low as $11.5/game.

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To see the complete 2023-24 Otters schedule, head to OttersHockey.com/schedule or on OntarioHockeyLeague.com.

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