March 30 Game Moved to March 29 to Accommodate Kenny Chesney Concert

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. The Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League on Thursday announced that their final meeting with the Cleveland Barons, originally scheduled for Wednesday, March 30 at Van Andel Arena, has been moved one day earlier to Tuesday, March 29. Game time will remain 7 p.m.

The change was made at the request of SMG, management company for Van Andel Arena, to accommodate a second concert by country superstar Kenny Chesney. As a result, Chesney, whose April 2004 show set a Van Andel Arena record by selling out in nine minutes, will perform back-to-back concerts in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, March 30 and Thursday, March 31.

We really wanted to find a way for Chesney to play two dates in Grand Rapids, but our schedule was tight, said Richard MacKeigan, SMGs general manager for Van Andel Arena. We appreciate the Griffins willingness to work with us to make it happen.

All tickets for the March 30 Griffins game are still valid and should be used for the rescheduled date of March 29. The game remains scheduled for a live telecast throughout Michigan on Comcast Local.

The Griffins and Van Andel Arena partner to bring West Michigan fans the best entertainment options, said Bob Sack, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the Griffins. Given the chance to cooperate with SMG and help bring another dynamic event to downtown, while maintaining the integrity of our schedule, we chose to maximize the entertainment value to the area.

In recognition of the inconvenience, SMG is offering Griffins fans the opportunity to purchase tickets to either Chesney concert before the tickets go on sale to the general public.

Every Griffins season ticket account holder will receive a letter by mail that gives them the right to purchase up to four concert tickets. Upon redemption of the letter at the Van Andel Arena box office on either Monday, Feb. 28 or Tuesday, March 1, season ticket holders may purchase up to four concert tickets at the price of either $51.50 or $61.50 per ticket.

In addition, any fan who purchases up to four tickets to the March 29 Griffins game at The Zone during a special five-day period (Friday, Feb. 25 through Tuesday, March 1) will receive vouchers granting them the right to purchase an equal number of Chesney concert tickets at the Van Andel Arena box office during the Feb. 28-March 1 redemption period.

Griffins full season ticket holders will also enjoy an exclusive food offering during the March 29 game against Cleveland. Complete details are forthcoming.