Oct. 21, 2009
After a successful 2008-2009 promotional campaign saw attendance at the Tsongas Arena rise to record levels, UMass Lowell is looking forward to an even better season this time around. The River Hawks saw a significant rise in attendance (4,404), up from 3,396 in 2007-2008 and look for that trend to continue as the 12th-ranked River Hawks hit the ice for their home opener on Friday.
Last season 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, the cast of Star Wars and the disco funk band Motor Booty Affair. The Athletic Marketing Department was awarded a gold medal at the NACMA marketing conference for its efforts on Lincoln Bicentennial Night.
In addition to exciting single-game promotions for the first half of the season, the River Hawks are proud to introduce their new `Season Ticket Raffle' promotion which will culminate on Saturday, March 6. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets at all home games and enter to win a pair of season tickets for the 2010-2011 season.
October 23: Home Opener vs. Colgate
• UMass Lowell opens its home schedule on October 23 against rival Colgate. Fans get their first chance to see the River Hawks, picked 2nd in the Hockey East pre-season poll, take their home ice in regular season play. Finally, the first 500 kids under 12 will receive a complimentary Schedule Poster, courtesy of Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union.
• Lobby Entertainment: One-Man Band (http://www.guitarmachine.com/)
October 24: Fall Fest vs. Northeastern (5:00)
• The River Hawks take on Northeastern in a 5:00 p.m. matinee as the UMass Lowell hockey team culminates Fall Fest weekend on-campus. Fans will have the opportunity to check out the world-famous Zooperstars! (http://www.zooperstars.com/) during both the first and second intermissions. In addition, the first 1,000 fans will receive River Hawk megaphones, courtesy of SBLI.
• The 2nd Annual Riley Reunion Night will take place at the Tsongas Arena beginning at 2:30 p.m. UMass Lowell will induct 10 former players/coaches into the Hockey Hall of Honor at a special ceremony including Paul Ames, Gary Bishop, Mike Carr, Jeff Daw, Tom Jacobs, Dean Jenkins, Paul Lohnes, Craig MacTavish, Jon Morris, and Dwayne Roloson.
• Lobby Entertainment: One-Man Band (http://www.guitarmachine.com/)
October 30: Revenge on the Mind vs. Boston University
• The defending national champion BU Terriers are in town and the River Hawks have a bitter taste in their mouth after last season's finale in the Hockey East finals. UMass Lowell dropped a 1-0 decision to the eventual NCAA champions and has been eying this date ever since. The first 1,000 fans will receive River Hawk Rally Towels, courtesy of Lowell Cooperative Bank.
• Lobby Entertainment: Living Gargoyle Statue (http://www.ten31productions.com/)
November 8: PBS Kids Character Day vs. New Hampshire (5:00)
• UMass Lowell is once against teaming up with PBS to bring Curious George and Clifford the Big Red Dog to the Tsongas Arena. Both characters will be available in the lobby and concourse throughout the game for photo opportunities! Please note the special 5:00 p.m. start for the Sunday matinee as this game will be televised live on ESPNU.
• Lobby Entertainment: Get there early to see the Curious George and Clifford the Big Red Dog up close in the lobby!
November 21: Patriots Night vs. Merrimack
• The River Hawks welcome the New England Patriot cheerleaders, courtesy of DCU - Digital Federal Credit Union. The cheerleaders will be available in the lobby for photos and will sign autographs during the first intermission of the game.
• Lobby Entertainment: The Creature Teachers (http://www.thecreatureteachers.com/) will be set up in the lobby prior to faceoff.
November 27: Turkey Day Tumble vs. Maine
• The River Hawks hit the ice after a short Thanksgiving hiatus and square off with the Maine Black Bears. UMass Lowell welcomes fans and families to the arena on Black Friday! Stay tuned for more information as details become available.
• Lobby Entertainment: Alley-Oop the Clown will be twisting balloons in the lobby prior to the game.
December 5: Military Appreciation Night vs. Massachusetts
• The River Hawks celebrate Military Appreciation Night against UMass On Saturday, December 5. Fans are encouraged to bring their old cell phones to donate to the River Hawks "Cell Phone for Soldiers" program (http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/), started on-campus by UMass Lowell senior defenseman Barry Goers (Ivyland, PA).
• Lobby Entertainment: The Student Veterans Organization will be in the lobby before the game collecting donations for the troops overseas.
December 11: vs. Princeton
• The River Hawks host 2009 NCAA Tournament participant #8 Princeton in non-conference action. The Tigers are back in town on Saturday night for the second half of the doubleheader.
• Lobby Entertainment: Benjamin the Juggler will entertain kids and adults alike in the lobby.
December 12: vs. Princeton (4:00)
• The River Hawks Annual Holiday Skate will be held after the 4:00 p.m. game against Princeton. Fans are invited to stay after the action to skate on the ice at the Tsongas Arena with members of the UMass Lowell hockey team. In addition, fans will have the opportunity to meet The Grinch who will be appearing in the lobby and concourse throughout the game.
• Lobby Entertainment: The Grinch will be greeting fans and spreading holiday cheer in the lobby.
The River Hawks (1-1-0, 0-0-0 Hockey East) open the home schedule Friday Night (Oct. 23) when they host Colgate (7:00 p.m.). On Saturday, October 24, they host the Northeastern Huskies, a rematch of last year's Hockey East semifinal, won by the River Hawks in overtime, 3-2.
