While the block party is free, the game is not. Get your tickets now!

Start the IceHogs 2024-25 season off with a bang again this season as Hard Rock Casino - Rockford presents the IceHogs Opening Night Block Party!

When: Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

Where: Elm and Main Streets outside of BMO Center; Music stage in Lot 7

Cost: Admission to the block party is FREE and you do not need a ticket to the IceHogs game to attend the pregame block party, but attendees will need to pay for food and beverage at the event.

This is a rain or shine event.

The IceHogs and Hard Rock Casino – Rockford are also teaming up on an exclusive T-shirt giveaway. Fans attending the block party will have the first chance to get a shirt with the remaining shirts available to fans upon entry to the BMO Center.

Dave Matthews Band tribute group, Trippin' Billies, will rock the streets for the block party starting at 4:30.

Born in the pubs on the north side of Chicago, Trippin' Billies took to the “stages” of small rooms in the mid-nineties as an acoustic duo. It wasn’t long before lines grew too long for the small bars and calls started coming in from around the Midwest. As a result the band was forced to rise to the occasion, and for over twenty years ... they’ve done just that.

Trippin' Billies is comprised of some of Chicago’s absolute best musicians. They go far above-and-beyond the call of the average tribute band. Each band member's love and respect for DMB, their impact, and for high-energy performance has moved them above the "bar band" circuit and into full-blown concert settings.

The TBs tour schedule has come to resemble that of the Dave Matthews Band before their ascension to arena tours. Midsize venues sell out consistently across the country and the famous theatres whose names were once inked on the cover of DMB bootlegs listened to by the band now comprise the tour schedule of Trippin' Billies. The theatres they once approached with awe have now come to feel like home.

Delectable food and beverages will be on sale from numerous local food trucks, including Blaz'in Magic BBQ, Cheezy's Grilled Cheeses, Inzombia Coffee, Olivo Taco, and Quixotic Bakery. Plus, the IceHogs have teamed up with Dairyhaus to ask our fans to submit ideas for an IceHogs-inspired ice cream flavor and the winning flavor will be unveiled and available to purchase and enjoy at the Opening Night Block Party on Oct. 12!

• Rockford Park District "Junior StreetHogs" inflatable street hockey rink

Oh yeah, after the party, there's also a game! The IceHogs open their 26th season at home with the Grand Rapids Griffins when puck drops at 7 p.m.! While you do not need a ticket for the block party, you will need a ticket for the game. So get yours now!

Double T will broadcast live from the block party on 96.7 The Eagle!