Royals Announce 2014-15 Promotional Calendar

Reading, PA – The Reading Royals of the ECHL, affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League, today announced the 2014-15 Promotional Schedule of Game Night Events, Appearances and Special Giveaways.

This season’s newly energized promotional schedule seeks to capitalize on a number of new upgrades at Santander Arena, including a new state-of-the-art video display system, as well as the brand new affiliation with the Flyers and Phantoms. The promo schedule itself includes over thirty different game night themes, nine specialty jerseys available for purchase on-line or post-game auctions for charity, dramatic appearances from twelve different celebrities and/or groups of characters, and over twenty-five different giveaways for fans.

The 2014-15 Royal Experience begins with the annual Season Opening Celebration Block Party on Saturday, October 25, 2014 and concludes thirty-six home games later with the organization’s opportunity to say thank you to our most important asset, you, with our Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, April 11, 2015. The Royals complete 2014-15 Promotional Calendar (which is subject to change) is set out below.

The fourteenth season of Royals hockey in Reading kicks off in the afternoon of Saturday, October 25, at 4:00 pm with the Season Opening Celebration Block Party on Penn St. The life of that party is going to be Flyer legend Brian Propp, who will be greeting fans and dropping the ceremonial first puck on the 7:05 pm start against the Elmira Jackals. Fans will be able to proudly display their alliance with the new Royals’ new affiliation with a couple of giveaways that night, including a purple-and-orange-tinged license plate The Royals players will display their allegiance to the new affiliation on opening night by wearing purple and orange Flyers-inspired specialty jerseys which will be available for purchase after the game on line.

Opening weekend will continue the next day, Sunday, October 26, when the Royals will host the first of what will be eight family—and particularly kid—friendly Sunday afternoon games, which this year will begin at 5:05 pm, and will feature a giveaway for the kids and most of which include a post-game activity, such as a skate with the players or a team autograph session. The Sunday games are also extremely pocketbook friendly this year with FREE PARKING courtesy of the Reading Parking Authority and the return Berks Packing Dollar Deals ($1.00 hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and nachos).

The Royals third home game of the year will be one of a two Thursday night games, which (as with all Wednesday through Friday games this season) will start at 7:30 pm. For this first Thursday Game (October 30), the Royals will break out the orange again—albeit for a bit of a different reason—donning Halloween Eve specialty orange jerseys, which will be available for sale on line after the game. In addition to a little bit of fright, this Haunted Hockey Night ought to create a little bit of delight for some with $1.00 canned beer, a special that will be extended in three  different College Nights the Royals will host this season.

The Halloween orange won’t be the only holiday-themed special jersey the Royals will wear this season, including what has to be considered one of our ‘prettiest’ jerseys of all time (and certainly innovative)—our World Famous Ugly Sweater jersey will bring the festive holiday spirit in to Reading on Saturday, December 13. But this year, we build the holiday spirit with a pile of ‘Ugly’ fashion accessories including an Ugly Replica Jersey, which will be given out that night (December 13) and an Ugly “POM” cap (Monday, January 19, Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday matinee) and an Ugly Scarf on Saturday, February 28.

The Royals will keep fans in the holiday mood with games on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 7:30 p.m.) and New Year’s Eve at (5:30 pm) against Elmira.

Consistent with our holiday theme, the Royals will go GREEN—and hopefully giving away a pile of green—on St. Hat Tricks Day, which we’ll celebrate on March 14. With respect to going green, the Royals will be decked out in specialty jerseys resplendent in green, which will be available on-line after the game. The organization will also encourage environmentally friendly activities by giving away plant seeds that night, and we hope to water those seeds by making it rain (again) with a $10,000 payout in our annual St. Hat Trick’s giveaway if one of the Royals can bag three goals against the Kalamazoo Wings that night.

As has been the case since the inception of the Royals, a significant focus of the team’s promotional activities this season will be to raise money and awareness for local charitable organizations. To help out, the team will wear (and auction for charity) specialty jerseys in at least four different games this season, including our salute to America’s Veterans (Saturday, November 22), Pink in the Rink (Saturday, January 10), Penn State University’s THON (Saturday, February 7), and a brand new cause Autism Awareness (Sunday, March 15).

The Royals will also host a couple of traditional of our favorite charitable efforts, including our annual Teddy Bear Toss (Sunday, December 7), the tenth annual Battle of the Badges match-up between the hockey teams for the Reading Police and Fire Departments (Sunday, March 8), and the American Cancer Society (Friday, April 10). The Royals will put a little charitable twists into our Saturday night with the Diamond Credit Union “Shoot for Community Younity”.  A representative from the charitable cause of choice that night will have an opportunity to score a goal during the second intermission to win $1,000 for their cause courtesy of Diamond Credit Union.

Like the players on the ice, fans will want to keep their heads up at Santander Arena because of the plethora of celebrity sightings this season. The familiar faces you can see this year ‘Mountain Man’ from Duck Dynasty on Country Night (November 29), wrestling legend Sgt. Slaughter (December 7), ‘Mr. Belding’ Dennis Haskins from TV show “Saved by the Bell” (February 27), and soap opera star Tyler Christopher (from General Hospital), who will be our guest on Ladies Night on February 6, when the team will auction off the players for a date to raise money for Royals Charities.

The appearances include a cavalcade of classic characters, including everyone’s favorite ‘Super Heroes,’ (November 22) and characters from Disney and Pixar films (February 28), as well as the full lineup from the epic ‘space soap opera,’ Star Wars (November 28). The Royals will also break out the whip and chair to try and keep the Fur Circus (Sunday, February 8) and Zooperstars (Sunday, March 1), and we’ll probably need a lot more than a whip and a chair to reign in the whole wild, wooly and (well) whacky crew of costumed characters celebrating Slapshot’s birthday on March 7.

Of course, the Royals always like to load up our fans with goodies when they come out to cheer the team. One of the most exciting giveaway series this year recognizes a group of players who the fans were certainly happy to see when they were in Reading—but are even more proud after they advanced to the NHL. Thanks to FREE shirt Friday courtesy of V&M Towing, over the course of six Fridays (November 7) (November 28) (December 12) (February 6) (February 27) (April 10) the Royals will give away a free t-shirt—each one with an image of the six most popular players who donned the purple and silver before earning their way to the highest level of professional hockey. Voting is still open on the players who will be honored with a FREE shirt Friday, and if you want to make sure you get a shirt honoring you favorite former Royal, go to http://royalshockey.com/tshirt/ (under the ‘Fan Zone’ tab at www.royalshockey.com) and cast your vote.

The game night giveaways this year at Santander Arena include several traditional fan favorites, such as the team player card set (Sunday, March 8), Royals baseball cap (Saturday, March 14) and the team picture (Fan Appreciation Night, Saturday, April 11); as well as a whole slew of new items, an adult knit cap (Saturday, December 6), beach towel (Saturday, February 7) and an ever-useful Royals’ carabiner (Saturday, March 7). And of course the one giveaway no one will want to miss this year is the giveaway on Affiliation Night (Saturday, December 27) when we give out the one-of-a-kind collectors’ item bobblehead of owner Jack ‘Are You Happy?’ Gulati.

We also want to make sure our supporters have lots of goodies for the inside, too. In that regard, for no fewer than six games this season, the Royals and Santander Arena will offer the Steak-Umm Burger Meal and Ticket Deal, when $25.00 will not only get you admission to the game, but also a burger, fries and large soda.

The Royals current list of 2014-15 Game Night Promotional Events and Special Giveaways is set out below. Please note that this promotional schedule is subject to change in giveaways, appearances, quantities and dates. Please consult www.royalshockey.com for the most up to date promotional schedule.

2014-15 READING ROYALS GAME NIGHT PROMOTIONAL EVENTS

and SPECIAL GIVEAWAYS

(Limited Availability Giveaways In Parentheses) (All Events and Giveaways are Subject to Change)

Saturday, October 25, 2014 (v Elmira Jackals): Pre-Game Block Party with Special Appearance by Philadelphia Flyer Legend Brian Propp; New Affiliation License Plate giveaway courtesy of Reading Health System (first 5000); Royals wear Affiliation-Themed Specialty Jersey (available for purchase on-line after the game); Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity.  DeMet’s Candy Challenge Cup Series Game

Sunday, October 26, 2014 (v Elmira Jackals): Sunday Savings Day.  Schedule Magnet Giveaway courtesy of Diebler Dental (First 2,500 Fans). Bike Show on Penn Street Night; Post-Game Skate with the Players presented by Body Zone Sports & Wellness Complex; Free Parking courtesy of Reading Parking Authority; Berks Packing Dollar Day ($1.00 hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and nachos).  DeMet’s Candy Challenge Cup Series Game

Thursday, October 30, 2014 (v Wheeling Nailers): Haunted Hockey Night & College Night – Royals wear Special Halloween-themed jerseys (available for purchase online after the game); Steak-Umm Burger Meal & Ticket Deal ($25.00); $1.00 canned beer

Friday, November 7, 2014 (v Fort Wayne Komets): Youth Sports Pride Night; FREE Shirt Friday Giveaway No. 1 courtesy of V&M Towing (first 1500, 15 & older); Royals Kid’s Club Game

Saturday, November 8, 2014 (v Fort Wayne Komets): Super Hero Night featuring Thor, Captain America and Ironman.  Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity

Saturday, November 22, 2014 (v Indy Fuel): Veterans & Military Organization Night. Royals wear Special Military Themed Jerseys (post-game auction to benefit local Veterans/Military Causes); Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community Younity;  Pre-game Miller-Keystone Blood Center Blood Drive

Sunday, November 23, 2014 (v Indy Fuel): Sunday Savings Game.  Post-Game Team Autograph Session; Free Parking Reading Parking Authority; Berks Packing Dollar Day ($1.00 hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and nachos)

Wednesday, November 26, 2014 (v Elmira Jackals): Night Before Thanksgiving Celebration; Post-Game Ham Shoot courtesy of Redner’s Markets; Steak-Umm Burger Meal & Ticket Deal ($25.00); College Night ($2.50 draft beer).  DeMet’s Candy Challenge Cup Series Game

Friday, November 28, 2014 (v Greenville Road Warriors): Star Wars Night with Special Appearances by Your Favorite Star Wars Characters; FREE Shirt Friday Giveaway No. 2 courtesy of V&M Towing (first 1500, 15 & older); Royals Kid’s Club Game

Saturday, November 29, 2014 (v Greenville Road Warriors): Country Night with Special Appearance by Mountain Man from Duck Dynasty;  Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity

Thursday, December 4, 2014 (v Toledo Walleye): College Night; Steak-Umm Burger Meal & Ticket Deal ($25.00); $1.00 canned beer

Saturday, December 6, 2014 (v South Carolina Stingrays): Winter is Coming/Frozen Night with appearances from Elsa, Anna and Prince Charming; Adult Knit Cap giveaway courtesy of Steve Moyer Subaru (first 2000, 15 and older); Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity

Sunday, December 7, 2014 (v South Carolina Stingrays): Teddy Bear Toss Night and Sunday Savings Game with Special Appearance by Wrestling Legend Sgt. Slaughter; Kid’s Knit Cap Toys for Tots (first 1000, 14 and under); Post-Game Skate with the Players presented by Body Zone Sports & Wellness Complex; Free Parking courtesy of Reading Parking Authority; Berks Packing Dollar Day ($1.00 hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and nachos)

Friday, December 12, 2014 (v Wheeling Nailers): Princess and Pirate Night with appearances by Jake the Pirate, Rapunzel and Cinderella; FREE Shirt Friday Giveaway No. 3 courtesy of V&M Towing (first 1500, 15 and older)

Saturday, December 13, 2014 (v Wheeling Nailers): Ugly Night No. 1; Royals wear World Famous ‘Ugly Sweater’ Specialty Jerseys (available for purchase on-line after the game); Ugly Replica Jersey giveaway courtesy of Reading Health System; (first 2,000, 15 & older).  Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity

Saturday, December 27, 2014 (v Elmira Jackals): Affiliation Night; Jack Gulati ‘Are You Happy?’ Bobblehead Special Giveaway (first 1500, 15 and older); Royals wear Specialty Jersey honoring Philadelphia Flyers (available for purchase on-line after the game); Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity.  DeMet’s Candy Challenge Cup Series Game

Wednesday, December 31, 2014 (v Elmira Jackals): New Year’s Eve Celebration; Season Ticket Holder Buy One Ticket – Get One Free; Steak-Umm Burger Meal & Ticket Deal ($25.00); $2.50 select draft beer.  DeMet’s Candy Challenge Cup Series Game

Wednesday, January 7, 2015 (v Wheeling Nailers): “Steak-Umm Burger Meal & Ticket Deal ($25.00);

$2.50 select draft beer

Saturday, January 10, 2015 (v Evansville Icemen): Pink in the Rink presented by Sweet Street Desserts; Royals wear Special Pink-Inspired Jerseys (auctioned after the game with proceeds to benefit Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County; Pink Bag giveaway courtesy of Sweet Street Desserts (first 2500 ladies); Reading Eagle Wall of Honor Induction of Royals All-Time Penalty Minute Leader Malcolm MacMillan; Scout Night; Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity

Sunday, January 11, 2015 (v Evansville Icemen): Explorer Night with appearances from Dora and Diego; Royals’ Autograph Book giveaway courtesy of Prospectus Berco (first 1000 14 and under) with Post-Game Autograph Session; Free Parking courtesy of Reading Parking Authority; Berks Packing Dollar Day ($1.00 hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and nachos)

Monday, January 19, 2015 (v Elmira Jackals): Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Matinee Game and Monday Savings Game; UGLY “POM” Hat giveaway courtesy of Reading Health System (first 2,000 15 and older); Free Parking courtesy of Reading Parking Authority; Berks Packing Dollar Day ($1.00 hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and nachos).  DeMet’s Candy Challenge Cup Series Game.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015 (v Wheeling Nailers): Steak-Umm Burger Meal & Ticket Deal ($25.00); $2.50 select draft beer.

Friday, February 6, 2015 (v Florida Everblades): Ladies Night with Special Appearance by Soap Opera Star Tyler Christopher (from General Hospital) and a Silent/Post Game Player Auction to benefit Royals Charities; FREE Shirt Friday Giveaway No. 4 courtesy of V&M Towing (first 1500, 15 and older); Royals Kid’s Club Game.

Saturday, February 7, 2015 (v Florida Everblades): Metro Bank Beach Towel Night (1st 2,000, 15 & older) Penn State University Alumni Association of Berks County THON Night; Royals wear PSU inspired Specialty Jerseys (auctioned after the game to benefit THON); Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity

Sunday, February 8, 2015 (v Florida Everblades): Special Appearance by the Fur Circus presented by xfinity; and Sunday Savings Game.  Free Parking courtesy of Reading Parking Authority; Berks Packing Dollar Day ($1.00 hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and nachos)

Friday, February 27, 2015 (v Greenville Road Warriors): Teacher Appreciation Night with Special Appearance from ; “Mr. Belding” (Dennis Haskins) from Saved by the Bell; Free Shirt Friday Giveaway No. 5 courtesy of V&M Towing (first 1500, 15 & older).  Royals Kid’s Club Game.

Saturday, February 28, 2015 (v Elmira Jackals): Ugly Scarf Night courtesy of Reading Health System (first 2,000, 15 & older).  Disney/Pixar Night with Special Appearances from World Renowned Disney and Pixar Characters; Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity.  Pre-game Miller-Keystone Blood Center Blood Drive.  DeMet’s Candy Challenge Cup Series Game.

Sunday, March 1, 2015 (v Elmira Jackals): Special Appearance from the Zooperstars presented by Xfinity and Sunday Savings Game; Free Parking courtesy of Reading Parking Authority; Berks Packing Dollar Day ($1.00 hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and nachos). DeMet’s Candy Challenge Cup Series Game.

Saturday, March 7, 2015 (v Toledo Walleye): Slapshot’s Birthday Celebration; Scout Night; Royals Carabiner giveaway courtesy of Deibler Dental (first 5000); Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity.

Sunday, March 8, 2015 (v Toledo Walleye): Battle of the Badges X and Sunday Savings Game; Team Trading Card Set courtesy of Rieck’s Printing (first 5,000) Post-Game skate with the Players courtesy of Body Zone ports and Wellness Complex; Free Parking courtesy of Reading Parking Authority; Berks Packing Dollar Day ($1.00 hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and nachos)

Saturday, March 14, 2015 (v Kalamazoo Wings): Cap Night presented by Steve Moyer Subaru (1st 2,000, 15 & older); Go Green Night with St. Hattrick’s Game $10,000 Giveaway; Royals wear Green-inspired Specialty Jerseys (available for purchase on-line after the game); Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity

Sunday, March 15, 2015 (v Kalamazoo Wings): Autism Awareness Afternoon and Sunday Savings Game; Royals wear Specialty Jerseys (auctioned after the game to benefit Autism Society of Berks County); Free Parking courtesy of Reading Parking Authority; Berks Packing Dollar Day ($1.00 hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and nachos)

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 (v Florida Everblades): 1000th Game In Royals History Celebration; Steak-Umm Burger Meal & Ticket Deal ($25.00); $2.50 select draft beer

Wednesday, April 8, 2015 (v Wheeling Nailers): College Night; Steak-Umm Burger Meal & Ticket Deal ($25.00); $1.00 Canned Beer.

Friday, April 10, 2015 (v Indy Fuel): American Cancer Society Night; FREE Shirt Friday Giveaway No. 6 courtesy of V&M Towing (first 1500, 15 and older).  Royals Kid’s Club Game.

Saturday, April 11, 2015 (v Indy Fuel): Fan Appreciation Night; Team Picture Giveaway courtesy of Rieck’s Printing (first 5000); Giveaways at Every Stoppage of Play; Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity FINALE; Post-Game Team Awards Presentation; Random Drawing for Season Ticket Holders to Receive ‘Jerseys Off The Players Backs’

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