Opening Night Block Party
Presented By:
Start the IceHogs 2025-26 season off with a bang again this season as Hard Rock Casino - Rockford presents the IceHogs Opening Night Block Party!
When: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 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 (with the exception of the free craft beer tasting). You WILL need a ticket to attend the game so get yours now!
This is a rain or shine event.
IceHogs T-shirt Giveaway presented by Hard Rock Casino - Rockford
The IceHogs are teaming up with Hard Rock Casino-Rockford to present free T-shirts to the first 3,000 fans on Opening Night at the block party. This year's shirt is a concert shirt inspired design featuring IceHogs home game dates on the back!
Live Music from Ronnie Baker Brooks
Chicago guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and multiple Blues Music Award-winner Ronnie Baker Brooks is one of the city’s—and the world’s—most undeniably talented and electrifying bluesmen. Ronnie was born into Chicago blues royalty as the son of legendary multiple GRAMMY Award nominee, Hall Of Famer, and longtime Alligator Records recording star Lonnie Brooks. He is among the few contemporary blues artists who learned his craft directly from many of the genre’s icons, including Albert Collins, B.B. King, Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor and, most significantly, his father. “I’m blessed to have played with and learned from the best. I’m carrying them within me,” he says of all the legends he knew growing up and the journey he’s been on.
With his new Blues Music Award-winning Alligator Records debut, Blues In My DNA, Ronnie delivers an up-to-the-minute, organic masterpiece. The album, the fifth of his career, is firmly rooted in the blues with Ronnie incorporating his own brand of rock, funk and soul to the mix. “I just play what I feel,” he says. “It’s all from the heart.” Produced by famed studio wizard Jim Gaines (who has produced Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Lonnie Brooks, Luther Allison and many others), Blues In My DNA is a career-defining statement from Baker Brooks, with each of the 11 original songs its own chapter in his ever-evolving story.
Food and Drinks
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 Sassy Mac Boys.
Free Craft Beer Tasting
Fans 21 and older can sample some craft beers at various tables courtesy of Lamonica Beverages. The beer tasting is free but interested fans must present their ID at the check-in table to receive a wrist band.
Activities
The Rockford Park District "Junior StreetHogs" inflatable street hockey rink will be set up on Elm Street for the kids!
Red Carpet Player Arrivals
IceHogs players are expected to walk the red carpet through the block party and into the arena at approximately 4:30 p.m.
IceHogs vs. Admirals at 7 p.m.
Oh yeah, after the party, there's also a game! The IceHogs open their 27th season at home with the Milwaukee Admirals 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. Get your tickets now!
