Hockey fans can enjoy the action on the ice while sitting in the sunshine this weekend in Denver.
Coors Field is set to host its first ever college and professional hockey games this weekend and the next as part of the National Hockey League’s Stadium Series.
Who's ready for some outdoor hockey? pic.twitter.com/V5h6Ow69BI
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) February 26, 2016
First, the Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings Alumni Game is Friday at 5 p.m.
Pre-game:
Festivities kick off at 1 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday at Spectator Plaza on Blake Street, outside of Gates C and D at Coors Field.
The NHL is hosting a hockey-themed festival, complete with food, drinks and music.
Highlights include:
- Coors Light interactive space for fans 21 and older: Play video games and bubble hockey, hang out in the interactive music tent and try the "media mountain," an area with a large bar and interactive elements.
- Free photos with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile
- McDonald's food truck
- Dress up in Red Wings or Avs gear
- Test your shot
- Buy merchandise
- Trivia
- Get your photo taken at the NHL network
The party runs until 6 p.m.
You know the #StadiumSeries is big when they bring in THE WIENERMOBILE!! @DenverChannel @Wienermobile pic.twitter.com/FV2CqO6HaZ
— Jason Gruenauer (@JGonTV) February 26, 2016
Game information:
Then, on Saturday, Feb. 27, the Colorado Avalanche will host the Detroit Red Wings in the first ever NHL Stadium Series game in Denver. It will be the 16th Stadium Series game overall, and the third this year.
For tickets, click here: boxofficeticketsales.com/venue/coors-field
The game starts at 6 p.m. and gates open 2 hours ahead of time. All fans, regardless of age, need a ticket.
The Coors Field bag policy will be in effect. Coors Field regulations allow only soft-sided bags and containers 16"x 16"x 8" or smaller to be permitted in the gates. All bags are subject to a search both upon entry and within the ballpark. Coors Field regulations also prohibit Guests from bringing certain items into Coors Field. For a list of these items please visit www.coloradorockies.com.
Denver's own The Fray will take the stage for a set during the first intermission.
The United States Air Force Marching Band will lead a special tribute to Colorado and Denver's first responders with a performance of "America the Beautiful" during the second intermission.
Immediately following the game, fans will be treated to a special pyro show set to music.
ICE v. SUN
It will be a face-off between the sun and ice at Coors Field.
“We have a 300 ton refrigeration unit in the parking lot,” said Mike Craig, senior manager of facility operations for the NHL. “It pumps our coolant down to our ice pans and we’re able to keep it cool there. We have a series of 243 ice pans that all work in a series under the ice.”
Craig said he’d be nervous if it weren’t for previous successes with warm temperatures in LA and Santa Clara, California.
“We’ve kind of learned to deal with everything,” Craig said. “The coolant removes the heat from the water, or from the air, and then back to the truck – and it’s just a cycle.”
Crews will also place an insulated tarp over the ice during the day to reflect the sun.
In addition to the rink, crews also built a mini mountain-scape in Centerfield mimicking the Rockies.
MORE | Face-off at Coors Field set to take place between sun and ice
