GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Before or after every Wednesday home game, Grand Rapids Griffins fans can show their tickets to that night’s game to receive drink specials and 20% off food at participating Arena District restaurants.

“Wednesday is Hockey Night” is the result of a new partnership between the Griffins, the Arena District, the Downtown Development Authority, and the local business community. With a goal of continuing to build excitement, energy and awareness around our great city core, the campaign encourages downtown workers and other fans to experience everything that downtown has to offer on the Griffins’ Wednesday game nights (Dec. 8, 15 and 22; Jan. 5; Feb. 16; March 16 and 23).

“Many downtown employees come in at 8 and leave at 5 each workday,” said Tim Gortsema, senior vice president of business operations for the Griffins. “The goal of Hockey Night is to entice these folks to stick around after work, have a great meal at a downtown restaurant, and enjoy an action-packed Griffins game at the arena.

“Downtown certainly has much to offer on every night of the week. We hope that workers sample the tremendous offerings available and then come back to enjoy it again and again,” added Gortsema.

For the complete list of nearly 20 participating restaurants and bars – including Peppino’s Sports Lounge, home of the Griffins’ Wednesday post-game parties – please visit griffinshockey.com/hockeynight.

As a part of the Hockey Night endeavor, several local sponsors purchased Griffins tickets that have been distributed to nearly 3,000 downtown workers, including firefighters, police officers and those involved in the health care, education and nonprofit sectors. Supporters include Huntington, Meijer, Wolverine World Wide, RDV Corporation, Amway, Citadel Broadcasting, Seyferth PR, Grand Valley State University, Wells Fargo, The Grand Rapids Press, Rockford Construction, Experience Grand Rapids, NAI West Michigan, and Paul Goebel Group Insurance.

The Griffins’ Wednesday games already offer two popular recurring promotions, Winning Wednesday and Library Night. Every time the Griffins win at home on Wednesday, each fan in attendance receives a free ticket to the next Wednesday game. In addition, for every Wednesday game, fans who present their Grand Rapids Public Library card or Kent District Library card at the Van Andel Arena box office on the night of the game or at The Zone anytime during the store’s regular business hours can purchase a lower bowl ticket for just $10 - a savings of $7 (limit four tickets per card per person).