Blackhawks Launch Home Opener With Red Carpet Event

From chicagoblackhawks.com: (link)

The Chicago Blackhawks will launch their 2008-09 regular-season home opener on Monday with a special red carpet event on Madison Street from 5:00 to 5:30 P.M., before the team faces off against the Nashville Predators at the United Center at 7:30 P.M.

The 2008-09 Blackhawks players will arrive via limousine on Madison Street in front of Gate 3 at 5:00 P.M., and will each be introduced before walking down a red carpet and into the United Center. Blackhawks Color Analyst Eddie Olczyk will serve as the master of ceremonies, while team President John McDonough will also speak.

“ The home opener is always a special night for our organization and we wanted our fans to share in it by getting close to their hockey heroes before they take the ice on Monday night,” Senior Director of Marketing and Advertising Pete Hassen said. “We are extremely excited that the red carpet player arrival will provide our great fans a unique look at the players before they head inside the United Center to prepare for the game.”

The event, which is open to the public, also features appearances by Blackhawks alumni Stan Mikita, Jim Pappin , Cliff Koroll, Jack O’Callahan, Tommy Hawk, the team’s mascot, and the Bud Light Ice Crew. Parking lots around the United Center will open at 4 P.M., while gates will open for the home opener at 6 P.M. Madison Street between Damen and Wood will be closed from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. to accommodate the event.