Jan. 16, 2009

 

LOWELL, MA - After a successful promotional campaign in the first half of the season, UMass Lowell looks to continue that success in the second half. The River Hawks have seen a significant rise in average attendance (4,084), up from 3,396 last season. 

The first half saw a unique slate of events highlighting the promotional calendar including appearances from Chicago's own Bucket Boys, the 16th President of the United States Abraham Lincoln and, of course, Curious George. The Athletic Marketing Department looks to continue that trend with a host of exciting promotions during the second half of the hockey season.

In addition to exciting single-game promotions, the River Hawks are proud to introduce their new `Pick A Stick' promotion which will culminate on Saturday, March 7. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets at remaining home games and enter to win their favorite player's hockey stick at the end of the season. A special on-ice presentation will take place after the River Hawks final regular season home game on March 7 where players will present the winning fans with their game-used sticks!

January 17: Golf Night vs. Massachusetts

• UMass Lowell opens its 2009 home schedule on January 17 against rival Massachusetts. Fans attending the game will have the opportunity to win a FREE membership at Meadow Creek Golf Club in Dracut, MA in an on-ice putting contest. Also, members of the UMass Lowell golf team will hit (plastic) golf balls into the crowd during the 2nd Intermission...catch one and you win a FREE round of golf! Finally, the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive complimentary Greens' Fees at Meadow Creek and a NESN Schedule Magnet.
• Lobby Entertainment: Balloon Twisting with Alley-Oop the Clown!

January 22: Merrimack Valley Business Night vs. Merrimack

• January 22 when the River Hawks host Merrimack, UMass Lowell welcomes local businesses to this Thursday night game. Fans will have the opportunity to win raffle prizes all game long including a Corporate Party at Lenzi's new Garden Terrace, a gift card to Inizio's Spa, two tickets to a play of your choice at Merrimack Repertory Theatre, one-night stay at the DoubleTree and Courtyard Marriott, foursomes at Meadow Creek Golf Club and much, much more!

February 14: Valentine's Day Celebration vs. Boston College

• Won't you be our Valentine? Join the River Hawks with your sweetheart as they square off with the defending National Champion BC Eagles. Rowdy will be roaming the crowd with roses as he searches for his dream date and the first 1,000 fans will receive heart-shaped stress balls courtesy of SBLI, The No-Nonsense Life Insure Company.
• Lobby Entertainment: Don't miss the fun as the Creature Teachers traveling zoo visits the Tsongas Arena! Check out their awesome pets including a live alligator, macaw, chinchilla, sugar glider, python, hedgehog, opossum, and Scooch the Coatimundi!  

February 28: Star Wars Night vs. Northeastern

• UMass Lowell is once against teaming up with the 501st New England (www.501neg.com) to bring the characters of Star Wars to the Tsongas Arena. Storm Troopers, bounty hunters and more will be roaming the concourse and taking photos with fans throughout the evening. Get in on the act yourself and dress up as your favorite Star Wars character!
• The River Hawks will also be participating in Hockey East's Skating Strides Against Breast Cancer on February 28. UMass Lowell will auction off a pink hockey stick, autographed by the 2008-09 hockey team with all proceeds benefitting breast cancer charities!
• Lobby Entertainment: Get there early to see the Star Wars characters up close in the lobby!

March 6: Hockey East 25th Anniversary Celebration vs. Maine - 7:30 pm game start

• The River Hawks take a step back in time to honor their finest including legendary coach Bill Riley as part of Hockey East's 25th Anniversary Celebration. UMass Lowell will honor Coach Riley in a pre-game ceremony before the River Hawks take on the Black Bears. Also, members of the UMass Lowell All-Hockey East team, as voted by the fans, will be recognized. The first 1,000 fans will receive a mini-hockey stick featuring the six players on the All-Hockey East Team.
• Lobby Entertainment: Free face painting will be available in the lobby courtesy of the Fun Faces with a Twist!

March 7: Saturday Night Fever vs. Maine

• Disco Fever hits the Tsongas Arena as Motor Booty Affair (www.motorbootyaffair.com) shakes the air waves on Saturday, March 7. Motor Booty Affair, the ultimate Disco Party Band, will rock the house during the intermissions and put on a full-length concert following the game! Fans are invited to party like it's 1979 and stick around for a post-game skate and disco concert!
• In addition to the post-game concert, the winning fans from our `Pick A Stick' Promotion will have the opportunity to go on the ice and receive a game-used stick from their favorite River Hawk player!
• Lobby Entertainment: Caricaturist Rob Sardella, a veteran of the Lowell Spinners' games, will be doodling free caricatures in the lobby and on the concourse!

The River Hawks (8-11-0, 5-7-0 Hockey East) are next in action Friday night (Jan. 16) when they travel to Boston College (7:30 p.m.). They return home Saturday, January 17 to host the University of Massachusetts.