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Thunder Announces 2011-12 Promotional Schedule

August 10, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," announced its promotional and giveaway schedule for the 2011-12 regular season with a lineup of popular, familiar and anticipated attractions for the seventh season of hockey in the Central Valley.

"Thunder fans young and old alike will enjoy many of the fine promotions we have in store for the 2011-12 season," said Thunder president Dan Chapman. "Along with providing our fan base with a competitive and winning team on the ice, we also work very hard to develop a promotional calendar that is creative, interactive and gives our fans plenty to look forward to throughout the season."

The Thunder promotional schedule, featuring a giveaway or promotion for all 36 home dates, includes an array of familiar events and new attractions designed to appeal to fans of all ages and tastes throughout Northern California.

"Our giveaways and promotions were designed with the fans in mind - to increase their entertainment value and to add to the experience of coming to a Thunder game," said Thunder vice president of marketing Marlena Aranda. "We are happy to be able to offer this again this season."

Opening Night against the Colorado Eagles - the ECHL's newest member to the Western Conference - opens the 2011-12 schedule on Friday, Oct. 14 at Stockton Arena. The first 2,000 fans (ages 18 and over) in attendance will receive a collectible Thunder magnetic schedule.

A salute to the seven Thunder players who have advanced to the National Hockey League will be featured on a collectible poster during the Saturday, Oct. 29 home game against the Idaho Steelheads at 7:30, an item free to the first 5,000 fans that cross the turnstiles.

The signature event of the hockey season, "Thunder Goes Pink VI" continues a tradition on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4-5 against the Utah Grizzlies at 7:30 p.m. Losing just once in regulation since the event began in 2006-07, the Thunder carries a lifetime 8-1-2 record in the "Thunder Goes Pink" series that turns the games at Stockton Arena into a pink-hued spectacle for breast cancer awareness and local fundraising for the cause.

Special designed Thunder jerseys, featuring a black base with pink colored bolts adorning the sides, will be worn by the team for both games and made available for bids by fans at Stockton Arena during the weekend through silent auction or live auction, which follows Saturday's game. Proceeds will benefit the St. Joseph's Foundation - Breast Cancer Services.

Last year, over $42,000 in funds were raised by the Thunder and fans and were donated to event beneficiaries: American Cancer Society - Stockton Field Office and St. Joseph's Foundation - Breast Cancer Services. The Thunder has boosted its all-time, five-year total of funds raised through "Thunder Goes Pink" to over $187,000 while over 90,000 fans have had their hearts and lives touched by the event at Stockton Arena.

Free commemorative items will be available for fans in attendance to take home, including a pink rally towel to the first 2,000 women (ages 18 and over) in attendance for both games. The first 1,500 kids (ages 12 and under) in attendance at Friday's game will receive a Thunder Goes Pink replica jersey, designed similar to the version worn by the players on the ice.

The cause of putting warm clothing on the backs of underprivileged youth enters the spotlight in the sixth annual "Coats for Kids" event, in conjunction with KXTV-TV News10 and the Salvation Army when the Thunder hosts the Alaska Aces at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Fans that bring a new or gently used coat will receive a ticket voucher good for free admission to the game. Last year, a record 1,242 coats were collected by the Thunder for local youth.

Jerseys take center stage once more in a festive, holiday atmosphere on Saturday, Dec. 17 when the Thunder hosts Idaho at 7:30 p.m. The first 1,500 kids (ages 12 and under) at the game will receive a replica holiday jersey, ideal for cheering on the Thunder during the holiday season.

A brand new New Year's Eve event will rock Stockton Arena on Saturday, Dec. 31 when the Thunder hosts the Ontario Reign at 7:30 p.m. Immediately following the game, fans are invited to help ring in the new year with a spectacular fireworks display inside Stockton Arena.

The seventh annual "Teddy Bear Toss" is scheduled to return to Stockton Arena on Saturday, Jan. 21 against the Las Vegas Wranglers at 7:30 p.m. Fans are invited to bring and throw teddy bears or other stuffed animals onto the ice immediately following the Thunder's first goal of the game.

Last year's Teddy Bear Toss, played before a season high crowd of 9,482, netted a record 5,835 bears and other stuffed animals to donate to the United Way of San Joaquin County, who in turn distributed them to local children's charities. The record donation helped raise the six-year total to over 24,300 stuffed animals donated from fans to underprivileged children in the San Joaquin County.

One of the most popular giveaways returns on a series of six games in 2011-12 when the Thunder will give away replica jerseys designed for kids and adults on different nights. In addition to the "Thunder Goes Pink VI" and Holiday Jersey Giveaway, the first 1,500 kids (ages 12 and under) can also take home a black Thunder replica jersey on Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Alaska and a gold third replica jersey on Sunday, Feb. 26 against the Bakersfield Condors.

For two different games during the season, adult fans can grab a replica Thunder jersey, suitable for wearing in the seats, leisure activities and taking to the local pick-up game. The first 1,500 adults (ages 18 and over) can take home a replica black Thunder jersey on Friday, Jan. 27, in a game against Alaska at 7:30 p.m. and pick up a gold "third" replica model on Saturday, Mar. 3, in a 7:30 p.m. home game against the Aces.

Making their return for the first time in three seasons are the popular collectible Thunder Bobbleheads (players to be announced), given away on three separate Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. to the first 1,500 fans (ages 18 and over). Fans are encouraged to arrive early to Stockton Arena for a greater opportunity to pick up a bobblehead as doors open, one hour before face-off.

Bobbleheads will be given away on Dec. 2 against Ontario, Jan. 20 against Las Vegas and Feb. 17 against Idaho.

The fourth annual Thunder's "Easy Being Green" is the headliner for a two-game event on Friday and Saturday, Mar. 16-17 at 7:30 p.m. against Las Vegas and Utah, where a pre-game "Green Fair" (before each game) will feature local eco-friendly businesses and organizations distributing information and green-themed giveaways.

A third specialty jersey event will merge with the Saturday finale of "Easy Being Green." The Thunder will sport a new St. Patrick's Day jersey design for the game and fans can take home a real jersey off the player's back by participating in a postgame auction.

In addition, groups and families looking to maximize their hockey experience and budget can take advantage of the popular and returning "Family Day" games, slated for all Sunday and Wednesday home games. For just $34 on each "Family Day," fans receive a package of four tickets, hot dogs, soft drinks and a $4 Thunder merchandise coupon. Family Day packages can be purchased at www.StocktonThunder.com or the Stockton Arena Ticket Office.

The Thunder will expand its salute to the fans in the home schedule closing "Group and Fan Appreciation" event on Friday and Saturday, Mar. 23-24 against Bakersfield at 7:30 p.m. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a collectible Thunder poster and fans are invited to stay following Saturday's game for a post-game Thunder awards ceremony, hosted on the ice.

Nearly capturing its first division banner last season, the Thunder has averaged over 6,000 fans per home game at Stockton Arena for six consecutive seasons and experienced an increase of six percent in attendance in 2010-11. From 2005-09, Stockton led the ECHL in attendance, becoming the first team to accomplish the feat for four straight seasons since the Florida Everblades (2000-05).

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. Individual ticket prices and promotional dates will be announced soon.

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

- GET IN ON THE ACTION --

STOCKTON THUNDER 2011-12 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

(As of August 10)

DATE OPPONENT TIME PROMOTION/GIVEAWAY

Fri. Oct. 14 Colorado 7:30 p.m. Opening Night/Magnetic Schedule Giveaway

Sat. Oct. 29 Idaho 7:30 p.m. Thunder in the NHL Poster Giveaway

Fri. Nov. 4 Utah 7:30 p.m. Thunder Goes Pink VI

Sat. Nov. 5 Utah 7:30 p.m. Thunder Goes Pink VI

Wed. Nov. 23 Alaska 7:00 p.m. Family Day/Coats For Kids

Fri. Nov. 25 Las Vegas 7:30 p.m. Team Photo Giveaway

Sat. Nov. 26 Las Vegas 7:30 p.m. Youth T-Shirt Giveaway (1 of 2)

Fri. Dec. 2 Ontario 7:30 p.m. Bobblehead Giveaway (1 of 3)

Sat. Dec. 10 Bakersfield 7:30 p.m. Fleece Blanket Giveaway

Sun. Dec. 11 Bakersfield 4:00 p.m. Family Day

Fri. Dec. 16 Idaho 7:30 p.m. Holiday Stocking Giveaway

Sat. Dec. 17 Idaho 7:30 p.m. Youth Holiday Themed Jersey Giveaway

Fri. Dec. 30 Ontario 7:30 p.m. Knit Cap Giveaway

Sat. Dec. 31 Ontario 7:30 p.m. New Year's Eve Event

Fri. Jan. 20 Las Vegas 7:30 p.m. Bobblehead Giveaway (2 of 3)

Sat. Jan. 21 Las Vegas 7:30 p.m. Teddy Bear Toss

Sun. Jan. 22 Las Vegas 4:00 p.m. Family Day

Fri. Jan. 27 Alaska 7:30 p.m. Adult Replica Jersey Giveaway (black)

Sat. Jan. 28 Alaska 7:30 p.m. Youth Replica Jersey Giveaway (black)

Sun. Jan. 29 Alaska 4:00 p.m. Family Day

Fri. Feb. 3 Idaho 7:30 p.m. Equipment Bag Giveaway

Sat. Feb. 4 Idaho 7:30 p.m. Thor Soap Dispenser Giveaway

Wed. Feb. 15 Ontario 7:00 p.m. Family Day

Fri. Feb. 17 Idaho 7:30 p.m. Bobblehead Giveaway (3 of 3)

Sat. Feb. 18 Colorado 7:30 p.m. Youth T-Shirt Giveaway (2 of 2)

Sun. Feb. 19 Colorado 4:00 p.m. Family Day

Sun. Feb. 26 Bakersfield 4:00 p.m. Family Day/Youth Replica Jersey Giveaway (gold)

Fri. Mar. 2 Alaska 7:30 p.m. Poster Giveaway

Sat. Mar. 3 Alaska 7:30 p.m. Adult Replica Jersey Giveaway (gold)

Sun. Mar. 4 Alaska 4:00 p.m. Family Day

Wed. Mar. 14 Idaho 7:00 p.m. Family Day

Fri. Mar. 16 Las Vegas 7:30 p.m. Thunder's "Easy Being Green"/Poster Giveaway

Sat. Mar. 17 Utah 7:30 p.m. Thunder's "Easy Being Green"/Jersey Off the Back Auction

Sun. Mar. 18 Utah 4:00 p.m. Family Day

Fri. Mar. 23 Bakersfield 7:30 p.m. Group & Fan Appreciation Event/Poster Giveaway

Sat. Mar. 24 Bakersfield 7:30 p.m. Group & Fan Appreciation Event/Poster Giveaway

*Promotions and dates subject to change

**Giveaways subject to age restrictions



ECHL Stories from August 10, 2011


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