In a time long ago, regardless of the team or league, a schedule was produced and tickets put on sale. People circled the game(s) they wanted to attend and paid their hard earned money in order to attend the event for which they had been waiting. Simple as that.
It is safe to say, times have changed a bit. Teams understand the value of the fans’ dollars and go all out to earn their business.
One of the teams that go above and beyond to attract fans and keep them walking through the turnstiles is the UMass Lowell River Hawks.
When this season is completed, UML will have held 15 promotional nights at the Tsongas Center.
Already fans have been treated to events such as Rally Towel Night, Country Fest, and the always popular Pucks and Paws.
Those nights have proven to be successful on the ice for the River Hawks as coach Norm Bazin’s squad is 5-1-2 at home this season.
Two very special promotions will be held Saturday night when the 11th ranked River Hawks (12-4-4 overall, 1st place in Hockey East) face off against the Minutemen of the University of Massachusetts (7-10-4 overall, 9th place in Hockey East). Face off is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
UML has quite a few activities planned for the evening as all members of the United States military will be honored.
The activities will also include “Skating Strides Against Breast Cancer”. The River Hawks are only too aware that the insidious disease has touched many in the UML family and hockey fans, in general, throughout the land.
And as if, you need another reason to attend Saturday’s game, UMass Lowell will open the doors early (4:30 pm) to fans who want to see the New England Patriots open their Super Bowl title defense against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The NFL playoff game will be shown on the Tsongas Center’s video board as well as televisions throughout the arena, including the Sage Bank Pavilion.
A special tailgate party will accompany the viewing from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Fans will be able to indulge in their favorite snacks of hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, and soda for just $2.00. Hamburgers will be $3.00.
Saying thank you to those who have/are, fighting for our country, doing your part to eradicate breast cancer, watching the Patriots in the playoffs, and topping it off with great college hockey…what else do you need to get out to the Tsongas Center, Saturday night?
Follow Shawn Hutcheon on Twitter at @ShawnHutcheon.
Reprinted with permission of The Lowell Sun.
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