Single-Game Tickets on Sale Saturday at 10 a.m.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Every year, Griffins Opening Night is one of the most anticipated events in Grand Rapids. This year, its just the beginning.

In celebration of their 10th Anniversary season, the Griffins will present a special promotional series, 10 Years, 10 Nights. 10th Anniversary Opening Night presented by Comcast, on Oct. 8, will be the first of 10 Saturday nights that will feature an array of entertainment, including pre-game shows, celebrity appearances, on-ice performances, commemorative jerseys, giveaways, and a host of surprises. Details on all 10 dates can be found below.

Single-game tickets for these 10 contests, as well as each of the Griffins 40 regular season home games at Van Andel Arena, will go on sale to the general public this Saturday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. Ticket prices remain unchanged from last season: $13 and $15 in the arenas upper bowl, and $17, $20 and $25 in the lower bowl. A limited number of upper bowl tickets also go on sale for just $5 two weeks prior to each game.

Griffins tickets can be purchased in advance of game night through the following methods (all purchases subject to a convenience charge):

In person at The Zone at Van Andel Arena ($1 charge per ticket);
In person at Star Tickets Plus outlets, including all Meijer stores ($1.50-$2.50 charge per ticket);
By phone through Star Tickets Plus at 1-800-585-3737 ($1.50-$2.50 charge per ticket plus handling);
Via the web through a link at griffinshockey.com ($1.50-$2.50 charge per ticket plus handling).

On game night, tickets may be purchased without a convenience charge at the Van Andel Arena box office, beginning 90 minutes before game time. Fans who attend multiple games can avoid charges and receive a discount from the single-game price by purchasing a five- or 10-game value plan. These plans, along with full season and group ticket packages, may be ordered through the Griffins office at (800) 2-HOCKEY.

The teams unique promotional schedule will be highlighted by celebrity appearances by Jeremy Mayfield (Jan. 21), winner of this years GFS Marketplace 400 at Michigan International Speedway; extreme sports star and BMX legend Mat Hoffman (Dec. 3); Claude, the Happy Trumpeter (Oct. 8, Feb. 18 and April 16); Pedro and Kip from the movie Napoleon Dynamite; and performing acts such as the Gentlemen Jugglers (Oct. 8), Red Panda Acrobat (Dec. 31), Quick Change (Feb. 4) and the Chicago Bucket Boys (April 16).

In addition, some of the more anticipated nights will feature West Michigans largest indoor fireworks show (Dec. 31), a special appearance and performances by a surprise country music star (March 18), and the giveaway of a Griffins squishy bobblehead, portraying the Griffins personality who receives the most votes through fan balloting (March 25).

Other giveaways will include 10th Anniversary commemorative posters (Oct. 8), Griffins youth replica jerseys (Feb. 4), team posters (Feb. 18), and 10th Anniversary hats (April 16).

Several popular recurring promotions, as well as new food and beverage specials, will also dot the schedule. The Subway Family Four Pack nights (every Friday) return, along with 12 post-game skates and 15 Fox Motors post-game autograph sessions with Griffins players. New promotions include $6 Griffins Meal Deals at arena concession stands each game, and Budweiser True Music Happy Hours from 6-7 p.m. before every Friday game, featuring live music on the concourse and half-off all Budweiser draft beers at arena concession stands.

For more promotional information, visit griffinshockey.com or call (800) 2-HOCKEY.

10 YEARS, 10 NIGHTS

October 8: 10th Anniversary Opening Night presented by Comcast
The first 3,000 fans receive a 10th Anniversary commemorative poster
Hes backthe return of crowd favorite Claude, The Happy Trumpeter
Intermission performance by the wildly entertaining Gentlemen Jugglers

November 5: Movies we Love Napoleon Dynamite
Afternoon hockey featuring Hope vs. Calvin
Appearance by the characters Pedro and Kip from the movie Napoleon Dynamite
The first 1,500 fans receive a Vote for Pedro T-shirt

December 3: Take it to the Extreme
Special appearance by extreme sports star and BMX legend Mat Hoffman

December 31: New Years Eve Extravaganza presented by Centennial Securities
Post-game fireworks show: West Michigans largest indoor fireworks display
New Years noisemaker giveaway
Special intermission entertainment by the amazing Red Panda Acrobat

January 21: The NASCAR Nation presented by Lighthouse Insurance
Special appearance by Jeremy Mayfield, winner of this years GFS Marketplace 400 at Michigan International Speedway
Racing games on the concourse and prize giveaways all night long

February 4: Jersey Night presented by Comerica Bank
The first 1,500 kids 12 and younger receive a Griffins replica jersey
Wear your own hockey jersey to the game and receive a prize from the Griffins and Comerica Bank
Special intermission performance by Quick Change

February 18: Cold Hard Cash presented by Stock Building Supply
The Griffins are giving away $10,000 in cash and prizes within 3,000 envelopes distributed upon arena entry. What will your envelope hold?
The first 3,000 fans receive a team poster
Encore appearance by Claude, The Happy Trumpeter

March 18: Nashville-or-Bust presented by Chemical Bank
The Griffins and B-93 present a special appearance and performance both during and after the game by a surprise country music star
Win trips to country music concerts around the United States

March 25: Bobbleheads presented by Fox Motors
The first 1,500 fans receive a Griffins squishy bobblehead. Visit a Fox Motors dealer or griffinshockey.com to vote on who the bobblehead should be.

April 16: 10th Anniversary Finale presented by West Michigan Chrysler Jeep Dealers
The first 1,500 fans receive a commemorative 10th Anniversary hat
Play it againClaude, The Happy Trumpeter
Special intermission entertainment by the Chicago Bucket Boys

SEASON-LONG PROMOTIONS

Budweiser True Music Happy Hours: From 6-7 p.m. before every Friday game, enjoy live music on the concourse and half-off all Budweiser draft beers at arena concession stands.

Subway Friday Family Four Packs: For all Friday games, get 4 tickets, 4 Subway Fresh Meal Deals* and Free Parking for just $44. (*Valid at participating locations. Meals are redeemed at Subway restaurants.)

Griffins Post-Game Skates: Oct. 8 and 29; Nov. 5; Dec. 31, Jan. 21; Feb. 4 and 18; March 5, 18, 25 and 26; April 15

Fox Motors Post-Game Autograph Sessions: Oct. 8 and 29; Nov. 26; Dec. 3, 23 and 31; Jan. 13 and 21; Feb. 4 and 18; March 5, 18, 25 and 26; April 15

Griffins Meal Deals: Available at all Griffins games. Special concession value meals priced at only $6 per meal.