Following an unforgettable 10th anniversary season that featured 10 sellouts of Van Andel Arena, what do we do for an encore? Get ready to pump up the volume with the "Rockin' the Rink" Entertainment Series!

The Griffins’ 2006-07 season presented by Comcast will be highlighted by the Rockin’ the Rink Entertainment Series, which will bring live music, celebrity guest appearances, and exciting giveaways to Van Andel Arena on 13 different nights. It’s a celebration of different music genres, and here’s your sneak peek of the fun that’s in store.

Oct. 14: Opening Night!

Local Musicpalooza will invade the arena for Griffins Opening Night, one of the most anticipated days of the year in Grand Rapids. Several local bands will perform in different areas of the arena as fans enter, and everyone in attendance will receive a “Rockin’ the Rink” concert-style T-shirt. The shirts will include a "tour" schedule of the 13 Rockin’ nights printed on the back.

The Griffins will explode onto the ice accompanied by pre-game fireworks, and Local Musicpalooza will treat fans to live music once again during both intermissions and the post-game skate and autograph session.

Nov. 4: Football Fest Featuring Billy Sims

Former Detroit Lions running back Billy Sims will sign autographs for fans prior to face-off. The 1978 Heisman Trophy winner and first overall pick by the Lions in the 1980 NFL Draft will be welcomed to Grand Rapids thanks to presenting sponsor MC Sports. Despite having his career end abruptly in 1984 due to a knee injury, Sims currently ranks second on the Lions’ all-time rushing list with 5,106 yards and 42 touchdowns on 1,131 attempts.

Nov. 24: Travis Richards Night

Okay, so it’s not technically part of the Rockin’ the Rink series, but this will be one of the most memorable nights in Grand Rapids sports history, as we honor the man who played more games and seasons in our city than any other pro athlete. On a date chosen in tribute to his uniform number, Travis Richards will have his number retired and his jersey raised to the Van Andel Arena rafters. Thanks to Grand Craft, the first 1,500 kids will receive a Griffins T-shirt with Richards’ name and legendary no. 24 on the back.

The second player to be signed by Grand Rapids back in 1996, “Mr. Griffin” played 10 consecutive seasons for the club before retiring in June. His number will be the first ever retired by the franchise.

Dec. 1: Twice the Hockey plus Christian Rock

Yes, Virginia, there is a reason why this game has an earlier 6:30 p.m. start. Club hockey teams from Hope College and Calvin College will take the ice once the Griffins game is over for another installment in their fierce rivalry. Between games, fans will be treated to a Christian rock concert in conjunction with WCSG 91.3 FM.

Dec. 2: Guest Appearance by Nickelodeon’s Drake Bell

Kids can meet Nickelodeon’s Drake Bell as he visits Van Andel Arena for a pre-game autograph session. Bell stars on Nickelodeon’s “The Drake and Josh Show” and recently recorded his debut album, “Telegraph.” The Nickelodeon star has made numerous TV-guest appearances with such shows as Seinfeld, The Drew Carey Show, The Pretender, Home Improvement and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. This game is also the Griffins’ popular Scout Night.

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Extravaganza

Centennial Securities returns as the presenting sponsor of the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. Fans will see Griffins players dressed for the occasion when they skate onto the ice wearing tuxedo-inspired jerseys!

What better way to ring in the New Year than with a hockey game capped off by a fiery explosion of color. At the conclusion of the game, fans will be treated to a grand spectacle when they witness West Michigan’s largest indoor fireworks display.

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Excited for hockey season yet? The details for the remainder of the “Rockin’ the Rink” nights are still being finalized, but here is what’s currently in the works:

• Jan. 13: NASCAR Nation, with special guest and current “Chase for the Cup” contender Denny Hamlin
• Jan. 27: Idol Rocks, with an appearance and intermission performances by an American Idol star
• Feb. 3: Red Wings Rock, with a special appearance by a Hero of Hockeytown
• Feb. 17: Back in Black, with the Griffins players limited edition jerseys that will be auctioned after the game for charity. In addition, the first 1,500 kids will receive a Griffins jersey thanks to Comerica Bank
• Feb. 24: Way Out/House Party, with an appearance by Roger Hazzard from A&E’s “Sell This House”
• March 16: An Irish celebration on the eve of St. Patricks Day, featuring strolling bag pipers and Celtic bands
• March 17: Nashville Rocks, featuring a concert from a surprise country music star sponsored by WBCT
• April 14: Griffins Grand Finale.

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Check out some of these other promotions that are on tap for the 2006-07 season.

Bud Light Friday Nights: Catch live bands on the concourse prior to these six Friday night games: Nov. 17, Dec. 15, Jan. 12, Feb. 16, March 16 and April 6.

Wendy’s Family Four-Pack: For every Friday game, get four tickets and four Wendy’s Single Combos for just $44.

The Talsma Terrace: Thanks to Talsma Furniture, fans can enjoy great hockey from the comfort of living room chairs – at the arena! The Griffins and Van Andel Arena are introducing a brand new seating area and amenity package called the Talsma Terrace, perfect for you or your company! The special section will be located on the terrace level above section 118 and feature La-Z-Boy chairs and a host of unprecedented amenities for your enjoyment. For more information, call (616) 774-4585 ext. 3002.

Magnet Schedules Return!
Back by popular demand, thanks to presenting sponsor P.O.D.S. These full-season, refrigerator-friendly schedules will be handed out at the games on Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22.