Battle of the Badges IX Set for Sunday, March 16

Reading, PA – The Reading Royals of the ECHL, the Reading Fire Department, and the Reading Police Department today jointly announced the details for “Battle of the Badges IX” presented by FirstStates Financial Services.

The hockey double-header will kick off with the seventh annual showdown between the Reading Fire and Police Departments on Sunday, March 16, at 12:30 pm. The ECHL hockey action takes over after that as the Royals join battle against the Wheeling Nailers with the opening face-off scheduled for 4:05 pm. One ticket gains entry into both games, and a portion of every ticket sold through the Royals’ website at http://tickets.royalshockey.com/order/group/battleofthebadges will go to the Battle of the Badges Scholarship Fund established to benefit the children of firefighters and police officers. Also, the first 1000 kids fourteen and under that day will receive a Drawstring Bag courtesy of V&M Towing. There will also be a post-game skate with the players presented by the Body Zone Sports & Wellness Complex. Please note that you must bring your own skates to go on Santander Arena’s ice for the post-game skate.

If history is any guide, both ends of the double-header are expected to be ‘edgy’ affairs with the winner of the Battle of the Badges game getting the honor of hoisting the FirstStates Cup. The Reading Eagle returns as the Official Media Partner of the Battle of the Badges Celebration. Once again, it is important to note that a portion of the proceeds for tickets purchased at http://tickets.royalshockey.com/order/group/battleofthebadges will be donated to the Battle of the Badges Scholarship Fund.

The Royals return to action on Wednesday (February 19 @ 7:05 pm) when the Wheeling Nailers visit Santander Arena in Reading, Pennsylvania. As with all Wednesday home games this season, fans can get a Purple Zone ticket, a Steak-umm Burger, fries and a large soda for just $20.00 courtesy of the Steak-umm Burger Meal and Ticket Deal presented by Quaker Maid Meats. There will also be select 12 oz draft beer for just $2.50. The game night broadcast on CBS Sports Radio 1240 am and 98.5 will kick off with the Highmark Blue Shield Warm-Up Show at 6:35 pm ET on the Royals Broadcast Network.

FirstStates Financial Services

-Battle of the Badges Game-

Reading Police vs. Reading Fire

2014 Game:

Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 12:30 p.m. at Sovereign Center – Prior to the Reading Royals vs Wheeling Nailers at 4:05 p.m.  One ticket gets you in for both games.  Also, the first 1000 Kids (14 & Under) receive a Drawstring Bag courtesy of V&M Towing. There is also a post-game skate with the players presented by Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex. (You must bring your own skates to go on the ice in the post-game skate.) It is a Berks Packing $1.00 day with $1.00 hot dogs, sodas, nachos and popcorn.

History:

Began in 2006 as a benefit game and is played in remembrance of fallen Reading Police Officer Michael H. Wise II, who died in the line of duty in June of 2004, and Reading Police Officer Scott A. Wertz who was fatally wounded in the line of duty in August of 2006.  The game also raises funds for the police and fire departments scholarship funds. 

Series:

Reading Fire Department leads the series 5-2-1.  Last year, the Reading Police Department won for the second time in the history of the annual showdown by a final score of 6-2.

Dates and Scores:

February 19, 2006         RFD 3         RPD 3 (tie)

February 18, 2007         RFD 4         RPD 2

February 17, 2008         RFD 3         RPD 2

February 15, 2009         RFD 4         RPD 2

February 28, 2010         RPD 6         RFD 0

February 17, 2011         RFD 3         RPD 2 (shootout win)

February 26, 2012 RFD 3       RPD 2

February 10, 2014 RFD 2       RPD 6

Money Raised:

During the seven year series, over $30,000 has been raised for the Reading Police and Reading Fire Scholarship Funds.

How To Purchase Tickets:

The Reading Royals have set up a special website designed to sell tickets for this game.  Fans may visit www.royalshockeyevents.com/bob.  A portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased from this website will go to the Reading Police and Reading Fire Scholarship Fund.

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