Mallards to Open Inaugural IHL Season with "Faceoff Rocks"

Published on September 16, 2009 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Quad City Mallards News Release


MOLINE, Ill. (September 16, 2009) - The Quad City Mallards, proud International Hockey League (IHL) affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, today announced that the team will open its 2009-10 home schedule on Saturday, October 24 at the i wireless Center with "Faceoff Rocks," a one-of-a-kind afternoon and evening of hard-hitting Mallards hockey action, hard rock courtesy of the legendary multi-platinum selling band Night Ranger and a unique piece of hockey history provided by the Hockey Hall of Fame.

"Faceoff Rocks" will kick off at 4:00 p.m. and will climax as the Mallards play their first ever IHL home game against the Fort Wayne Komets at 7:05 p.m. Night Ranger will lead off the festivities with a concert in the i wireless Center parking lot. Admission to the concert is free with the purchase of a ticket to the Mallards' home opener. The concert area will also feature a beer garden, a giant plasma screen television and other fun activities.

A special collection of historic hockey memorabilia direct from the hallowed hall in Toronto will be on display throughout the afternoon and evening of the opener. In addition, the Hall of Fame will also provide fans young and old with the chance to test their hockey skills in a variety of interactive games in the i wireless Center parking lot as part of the festival of hockey surrounding the home opener.

"There couldn't be a better way to kick off the season than with 'Faceoff Rocks','" said Mallards Executive Vice President and General Manager Shawn Hackman. "The combination of Mallards hockey, a world-renowned band in Night Ranger, historic displays and great interactive games from the Hall of Fame epitomizes the kind of affordable family entertainment we will be delivering to the fans of the Quad Cities throughout the season."

Single game seats for all Mallards regular season games including the home opener will go on sale to the general public for the first time on Thursday, September 24 at the i wireless Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets and www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. through the end of the second period. Mallards full season ticket holders will have the first chance to purchase single game tickets- one day before the opening of general sales on Wednesday, September 23.

"Faceoff Rocks" will also see the Mallards provide 2,500 fans with Mallards opening night t-shirts. The Mallards will also give away team magnet schedules and Thunderstixx as part of the opening night festivities. All giveaway items will be available beginning at 4:00 at the "Faceoff Rocks" outdoor concert and games area in the i wireless Center parking lot.

Night Ranger will deliver their signature brand of rock-and-roll to ready fans for the opening faceoff. Like no other 80's rock band, Night Ranger both epitomized and transcended the sound and style of that decade. Night Ranger left an indelible mark with a string of best-selling albums that sold more than 16 million copies worldwide. The band's popularity was fuelled by an impressive string of instantly recognizable hit singles, including "Sister Christian," "Rock in America," and "Don't Tell Me You Love Me."

A host of the Hockey Hall of Fame's mobile exhibits will give Quad Cities hockey fans the chance to encounter some of the sport's unique history and rare memorabilia as well as some of the legendary exploits of the greats of the game. Interactive hockey activities will provide fans with the opportunity to be a part of the action themselves by firing slap shots for velocity and accuracy, testing their virtual goaltending skills and more.

"The Hockey Hall of Fame is proud to be a part of the Quad City Mallards exciting return to action on October 24," said Hockey Hall of Fame Outreach Manager and Assistant Curator Izak Westgate. "We hope all of the fans of the Quad Cities have the opportunity to stop by to visit a slice of hockey history as the Hockey Hall of Fame travelling road show makes a stop at the i wireless Center with historical exhibits, National Hockey League trophies and interactive games."

Just as the Hall of Fame will provide displays for the Mallards and Faceoff Rocks, the Mallards will deliver a number of historic items- including sticks, pucks and uniform jerseys- from both the team's October 17 season opener in Flint as well as the Mallards' October 24 home opener.

"The Hall of Fame is committed to preserving another historic hockey moment by accepting artifacts including a game worn jersey from the club's first captain and the first goal scorer's stick," said Westgate.

Located in Toronto, the Hall of Fame, which first opened its doors in 1961, is an outstanding combination of treasured artifacts, multi-media exhibits, interactive games, a showcase for hockey's Honored Members and, of course, home of the Stanley Cup.

On the ice the Mallards will be tasked with overcoming the two-time defending Turner Cup champion Komets in the home opener. The game will be the first of 38 home dates for the Mallards, who offer fans the most fan friendly ticket packages and promotional schedule in professional hockey. Opening night will also give Mallards fans their first chance to take advantage of the free parking and reduced concession prices- through Dollar Value Menus- available all season long at the i wireless Center.

Mallards full season ticket plans and mini plans are now available. "QUACK PACK" full season ticket plans, which include the ICE ROW Cold Pass Seats ($25-Row 1), Platinum Seats ($15, walk up $18), End Seats ($13, walk up $16), Upper Platinum ($11, walk up $13), and Upper End Seats ($9, walk up $11), encompass all 38 regular season home games as well as discounts on all Mallards home playoff games. As a QUACK PACK member, fans save 20% off face value of the walk up ticket price. With a full season plan for every household budget starting as low as $342, QUACK PACK members select exclusively from the best seats in i wireless Center. For the ultimate in financial convenience, season ticket holders may choose the flexible and secure "EZ-Pay" Plan, which allows for monthly no-interest payments through March of 2010. Season ticket holders receive many other exclusive benefits, including one (1) team-autographed replica jersey with the purchase of four (4) full season Platinum Tickets, VIP privileges, the Buddy Plan, VIP-only Fantasy Camp, Meet the Team events, inside information, merchandise discounts, discounted single game tickets, and an exclusive season ticket holder gift.

The Mallards are the first team in the history of professional hockey to offer the fan an experience like no other, the ICE ROW Cold Pass. Designated as the first two rows closest to the ice, ICE ROW ticket holders see, feel, and live all the high-intensity game action with all the

access usually reserved for only a select few. ICE ROW Cold Pass ticket holders are granted entry into the arena 30 minutes prior to walk up general public admissions and are treated to Mallards locker room and hockey operations access up to 30 minutes before the game to hear coach's comments and live the behind-the-scenes experience.

"10 Quack" ten-game Mini Plans are available for Platinum Seats, End Seats and Upper Platinum Seats at significant savings compared to normal walkup prices. The Mallards offer five different fan-friendly mini plans. Plan A and Plan B provide a balanced spread of games throughout the season starting with the Mallards' October 24 home opener. The Weekender Plan provides seats to ten of the Mallards' most anticipated Friday, Saturday and Sunday games. By purchasing a Sunday Plan, Mallards fans guarantee themselves seats to each of the Mallards' ten Sunday afternoon games. Each Sunday contest will be followed by a Family Skate on the i wireless Center ice. In addition to perhaps the biggest holiday of them all- opening night- the Holiday Plan includes tickets to each of the Mallards' biggest holiday promotional nights, including the World's Largest Trick-or-Treat on October 30, Tough Love Night on February 13 and St. Hatrick's Night on March 17.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from September 16, 2009


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