IceHogs announce pregame block party plans

Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs announced that the rock band Night Ranger will be headlining the team's inaugural Hogtoberfest sponsored by Pepsi on Friday, Oct. 23 outside the Rockford MetroCentre.

Hogtoberfest, a pre-game block party on Elm Street, will take place before the IceHogs take on the Milwaukee Admirals at the Rockford MetroCentre at 7:05 p.m.

Tickets purchased for the IceHogs contest against Milwaukee will also be good for Hogtoberfest, highlighted by Night Ranger. Gates for the block party will open at 5 p.m. and the event will feature concessions including, hot dogs, hamburgers, Pepsi products, beer and more.

“I feel that this will be a great opportunity for all the people who work in the Rockford area to able to enjoy a great concert and sporting event immediately following their long week at work,” said IceHogs Team President Mark Bernard. “What a great way for them to decompress and start a fantastic fall weekend.“

Night Ranger has left an indelible mark with a string of best-selling albums that has sold more than 16 million copies worldwide. The band's popularity was fuelled by an impressive list of instantly recognizable hit singles and signature album tracks, including “Sister Christian,” “(You Can Still) Rock In America,” “When You Close Your Eyes,” “Sentimental Street,” “Goodbye” and “Don't Tell Me You Love Me.”

Fans can purchase tickets for the event at the MetroCentre Box Office, Hog Headquarters inside Cherryvale Mall, by phone at (815) 968-5222 or on the Web at www.metrocentre.com.

For more information about Night Ranger, visit the bands Web site www.nightranger.com.

Next Home Game: Friday, Oct. 16 vs. Chicago Wolves. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs open the home portion of the 2009-10 regular season schedule against the rival Wolves. The first 5,000 fans to the IceHogs home opener will receive a 2009-10 IceHogs wall calendar courtesy of Maverick Media and 23-WIFR.