Hockey players … in BMWs … and then on a red carpet? It will all makes sense in a moment.
The New Jersey Devils, taking a page out of the Prudential Center’s recent efforts as host of the MTV Video Music Awards, announced Tuesday their plans to elevate the atmosphere at the team’s home opener against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.
The gameday events, presented by Citizens, will start hours before the puck drops at 7 p.m.
Here’s some of the activities planned:
- Red-carpet arrivals: Starting at 4 p.m. on Championship Plaza, the players will arrive in the newest BMW models and walk the red carpet.
- FanFest: Will take place on Championship Plaza following the conclusion of arrivals, featuring performances by the band Royals and DJ Cole Pardi, along with a variety of food trucks, games, activities and appearances from the Woo Crew, NJ Devil and alumni mascots. Among the FanFest events planned:
- BMW will facilitate a hockey shootout game inside the BMW Mobile Tour;
- RWJBarnabas Health will be encouraging fans to sign-up for the Running with the Devils 5K;
- Verizon will be distributing co-branded Devils giveaways;
- Goya, Pepsi and Flow’s Tasty Treats will provide samples;
- Anheuser-Busch will provide pregame drinks at their bar activation and a Hoop Tea Photo Booth experience;
- Citizens will give fans an opportunity to sign a birthday card for NJ Devil, which will be presented during the Mascot Madness game Oct. 22.
The team will have a number of in-game extras, too, including:
- Wristbands giveaways: More than 19,000 digitally controlled LED wristbands will be given to fans attending the game. The wristbands will illuminate in response to game action, music, crowd chants and more throughout the game.
- Sound system update: Prudential Center will debut its new audio sound system, which consists of eight line arrays and 22 delay ring locations that feature Adamson speakers and Lab Gruppen amplifiers. The system was designed by Anthony James Partners and integrated by CV Lloyde and Star-Lo Communications.
For information on tickets, click here.
The team, featuring a number of young stars — including former No. 1 overall pick Jack Hughes — appears to be in position to compete for just its second playoff spot in the past 10 years.
