AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

RED WINGS RETURNING TO GRAND RAPIDS

Published on March 15, 2002 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


2002 Red & White Game Set for September 19 at Van Andel Arena

Grand Rapids, MI - The Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League will host the 2002 Red & White Game, a Detroit Red Wings intrasquad contest, at Van Andel Arena on Thursday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. The event, which returns to Grand Rapids following a one-year hiatus, will feature Detroit's top 35-45 players in a regulation 60-minute game. Thanks to the new five-year affiliation agreement between the Griffins and Red Wings that begins next season, fans will have the unique opportunity to witness their favorite Red Wings stars compete alongside Detroit's top prospects, who will comprise the majority of Grand Rapids' roster in 2002-03.

Tickets for the Red & White Game will be included in the Griffins' full season and mini-plan ticket packages for the 2002-03 AHL season. Both renewing and new season ticket holders who also purchase a ticket package for the upcoming 2002 Calder Cup playoffs will receive the privilege of purchasing additional tickets for the Red & White Game, in a quantity limited to the number of seats in their 2002-03 season ticket package. Due to the anticipated demand by Griffins season ticket holders, it is uncertain whether any tickets for the Red & White Game will be available this summer for sale to the general public. The Griffins organization will pursue an agreement to have the game televised locally.

"We are thrilled to welcome the Red Wings back to Grand Rapids to kick off an exciting new era for both the Griffins and our fans," said Bob Sack, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the Griffins. "Our season ticket holders have been the cornerstone of our success over the last six seasons, and through events such as the Red & White Game, they will continue to be at the forefront of our involvement with the Red Wings."

The first Red & White Game, held in Grand Rapids on September 15, 2000, generated 25,000 ticket requests from fans and raised $137,882 for four charitable organizations. A capacity crowd of 10,834 watched the White team throttle the Red squad by a 6-1 margin, as fans experienced the thrill of watching NHL stars such as Steve Yzerman, Sergei Fedorov, Brendan Shanahan and Nicklas Lidstrom compete on the Griffins' home ice. Proceeds from this year's Red & White Game will benefit local charities, including the Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation. Three NHL preseason events presented annually by the Griffins since 1999 together have generated more than $192,000 for a variety of charitable and non-profit organizations.

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