Royals Announce 2015-16 Promotional Calendar

Reading, PA – The Reading Royals of the ECHL, affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League, today announced the 2015-16 Promotional Schedule of Game Night Events, Appearances and Special Giveaways.

The Fifteenth Anniversary Season of Royals’ hockey, which is centered on the theme of “We Believe,” begins with the Season Opening Celebration Block Party on Saturday, October 24, 2015, and concludes thirty-six home games later with a great big thank you at Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, April 9, 2016. The Royals 2015-16 Promotional Schedule is set out below. Please note that all events and giveaways are subject to change.

The Royals will celebrate the fifteenth year of professional hockey in Reading and Berks County in the recently upgraded Santander Arena, which features a brand new state-of-the-art dasher board and seamless glass system, along with newly installed high definition video equipment to provide a bright and vivid experience at the Arena. The promo schedule itself includes fully thirty-six different game night themes, ten specialty jerseys (in addition to the brand new Fifteenth Anniversary versions of the home and away uniforms), eighteen different giveaways and five additional Wednesday Night ‘Rivalry’ Games during which Santander Arena will be blanketed in free t-shirts for our most frenzied fans.

The Season Opening Celebration on Saturday, October 24, will kick off at 4:00 pm with a FREE block party in front of Santander Arena and will feature food vendors, a craft beer garden, a car smash, and a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages, as well as a FREE concert headlined by international recording artists, Gin Blossoms. As with all Wednesday through Saturday games this season at Santander Arena, the puck will drop on the home opener at 7:00 pm, and the Royals will take that opening faceoff donned in the brand new Fifteenth Anniversary version of the team’s jerseys, the historic game-worn versions of which will be available for fans to purchase.

The game night activities for the home opener presented by Reading Health System will include a Fifteenth Anniversary Rally Towel giveaway and the explosive antics of one of the all-time fan favorite performance groups, the Fur Circus, which will be supplemented rather vigorously by the inaugural performance of Slapshot’s brand new Cowbell Chorus presented by Chick-fil-A. Intermission activities that night will include the first of thirteen Saturday night versions of the Diamond Credit Union “Shoot for Community younity”.

Of course, the home opener for the Royals this year also serves to kick off the nine game Community Series, which features at least one game a month dedicated to a wide variety of important members of the Reading and Berks County community, including our military veterans, families in need, animals seeking adoption, our local educators, young Scouts, and several groups dedicated to critical health issues, such as cancer and autism. The Community Series offers a wide variety of giveaways and activities, and seven of the nine games in the series feature a unique specialty jersey that will be worn by the Royals and auctioned after the game to raise funds for the respective beneficiaries. Click HERE for more details regarding each of the Community Series games.

The Royals second home game of the year on Wednesday, October 28, will be the first of five Wednesday Night Rivalry Games this season, during which Slapshot and his rowdy compatriots will whip the faithful into a frenzy by firing a bunch t-shirts into the crowd with the brand new ‘T-Shirt Fired-Up Frenzy’. That night, the Royals will also pay homage to the history of hockey in the Reading and Berks County area—a theme that the team will revisit a number of times during this Fifteenth Anniversary Season.

In fact, the Royals will highlight the history of the team in a variety of ways, including giving away a collector’s item series of five Fifteenth Anniversary Commemorative Pucks—the first of which will be distributed on Saturday, November 28, when the team will host Shelter Night, while also paying homage to the epic Star Wars series by wearing Star Wars Themed jerseys, which will be auctioned after the game to benefit several local organizations including Opportunity House, Family Promise, and the Greater Berks Food Bank.

The organization will also take a game to honor the second year of our affiliation relationship with the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday, January 22, when the giveaway will be a Royals-Flyers poster, and we all will get a chance to meet one of the all-time greats, Stanley Cup Champion Bernie Parent. That night, fans will also be treated to one of the great National Anthem performances in the country from Flyers’ legend Lauren Hart, while the team will wear Flyers-themed jerseys that will be available for purchase by fans.

Speaking of orange, things might be a little more tense than normal in the team’s third home game of the year—and it might not be just for the hockey action on the ice—because that night (October 31) we will celebrate our Haunted Hockey Halloween Night, when the kids will have an opportunity to go trick-or-treating on the Santander Arena concourse, while the team hosts an intermission costume contest. That night, the team will don their Zombie jerseys, which are already scaring up considerable interest on the internet and which fans will have an opportunity to purchase.

Of course, holidays for the Royals would not be complete without our world famous ‘Ugly Sweater’ celebration, which will be held on Friday, December 18. That night, we will give away a Holiday Pretzel Ornament, and the team will hit the ice in the highly anticipated third version of the ‘Ugly Sweater’ jerseys. The next night, Saturday, December 19, the Royals will host the team’s fifteenth version of one of the all-time fan-favorite events with the Toys for Tots Teddy Bear Toss. That night, the Royals will also honor our finest and furriest fans with our Pucks for Paws night, which will include a cat and dog adoption event on the concourse, while the team will wear a specialty jersey that will be auctioned after the game to benefit local animal shelters.

Speaking of holiday history, the Royals will continue a long-standing tradition of playing a Monday matinee (1:00 pm) on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (January 18), when the team will face the brand-new Adirondack Thunder (and their Head Coach—and former Royal—Cail MacLean) and when the purchase of one adult ticket will automatically get you a second ticket free (and parking will be just $2.00).

This season, the Royals will also continue the team’s tradition of being a leader in cutting edge giveaways with such unique goodies as a Spinning Flag, which will be distributed at our Veterans Recognition Game (Saturday, November 7) directly after the Second Annual Army – Navy Game and Skills Clinic (12:30 pm). Other unique and exciting giveaways include the Jack Gulati ‘RU Happy’ T-Shirt (November 14), a team puzzle (Sunday, November 8), a Winter Trapper Hat (courtesy of Deibler Dental on Saturday, January 2), and women’s pink winter gloves at our annual Pink in the Rink game (Saturday, February 13). Fans will also enjoy several more traditional giveaways, such as the team trading card set (Sunday, March 16) and the team picture during the regular season finale at Fan Appreciation Night (Saturday, April 9).

The Royals 2015-16 Game Night Promotional Events, Appearances and Special Giveaways is set out below. Please note that this promotional schedule is subject to changes in giveaways, appearances, quantities and dates. Please consult www.royalshockey.com for the most up to date promotional schedule.

2015-16 READING ROYALS GAME NIGHT PROMOTIONAL EVENTS, APPEARANCES

and SPECIAL GIVEAWAYS

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

Saturday, October 24, 2015 (v Elmira Jackals): FREE Pre-Game Block Party on Penn Street with Beer Garden, Games for Kids of All Ages, and Smash Car and Special Appearance by recording artist Gin Blossoms; Fifteenth Anniversary Rally Towel giveaway courtesy of Reading Health System (first 5000); Special Performance by Fur Circus and Slapshot’s Cowbell Chorus; Royals wear New Fifteenth Anniversary Jersey (Game Worn Jerseys Will Be Available for Purchase—Details to Be Announced at a Later Date); Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 (v Elmira Jackals): Wednesday Night Rivalry Game – Hockey History in Reading Celebration with T-Shirt Fired-Up Frenzy (250 T-Shirts for Frenzied Fans during Game Night Activities).

Saturday, October 31, 2015 (v Orlando Solar Bears): Haunted Hockey Halloween Night; Autograph Book giveaway courtesy of Prospectus Berco (first 1500); Kids Trick or Treat Stations Set Up on Concourse with Intermission Costume Judging Contest; Royals wear Halloween-Themed Zombie Jersey (Game Worn Jerseys Available for Purchase—Details to Be Announced at a Later Date); Post-Game Autograph Session with the Entire Team; Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity.

Saturday, November 7, 2015 (v Greenville Swamp Rabbits): Veterans Recognition Night; Spinning Flag giveaway courtesy of UGI Utilities (first 2000) Special Performance by Slapshot’s Cowbell Chorus; Royals wear Patriotic-Themed Specialty Jersey with Post-Game Jersey Auction to benefit Local Veterans Causes; Morning Youth Hockey Skills Clinic Conducted by Army / Navy Hockey Teams; Afternoon Army / Navy Game with Skills Competition (One Ticket Gains Admission to Army-Navy and Royals’ Games); Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity.

Sunday, November 8, 2015 (v Greenville Swamp Rabbits): Minute to Win-It Night, Puzzle giveaway courtesy of Metro Bank (first 1000 fourteen and under); Post-Game Skate with the Players presented by Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015 (v Wheeling Nailers): Wednesday Night Rivalry Game – 80’s Night; 80’s-Themed Music fuels T-Shirt Fired-Up Frenzy (250 T-Shirts for Frenzied Fans during Game Night Activities).

Saturday, November 14, 2015 (v Norfolk Admirals): Jack Gulati ‘Are You Happy?’ Night; ‘RU Happy?’ T-Shirt giveaway (first 2500); Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity.

Sunday, November 15, 2015 (v Norfolk Admirals): Go Green – America Recycle Day Game; All Tickets Reduced to GREEN-ZONE Pricing ($12.00).

Friday, November 20, 2015 (v Elmira Jackals): “Hunger Games” Night; Post-Game Ham Shoot courtesy of Redner’s Markets.

Friday, November 27, 2015 (v Greenville Swamp Rabbits): Flashback Friday; Lottery Ticket giveaway (first 2000 eighteen and older) courtesy of the Pennsylvania Lottery.

Saturday, November 28, 2015 (v Greenville Swamp Rabbits): Community Shelter Night – Star Wars Night; Fifteenth Anniversary Commemorative Puck Number One giveaway courtesy of Reading Health Systems (first 2000); Non-Perishable Food and Clothing Collection at Santander Arena; Royals Wear Star Wars Themed Specialty Jersey with Post-Game Jersey Auction to Benefit Opportunity House, Family Promise, and the Greater Berks Food Bank; Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity

Sunday, November 29, 2015 (v Wheeling Nailers): ‘Touch a Truck” Night; Interactive Display on Penn Street with Big Trucks, Race Cars, Two-Wheel and Four-Wheel Mega-Machines; $1.00 Hot Dogs.

Friday, December 18, 2015 (v Elmira Jackals): Ugly Sweater Night; Holiday Pretzel Ornament giveaway courtesy of Toys for Tots (first 2000); Royals wear Third Annual Ugly Sweater Specialty Jersey (Game Worn and Replica Jerseys Will Be Available for Purchase—Details to Be Announced at a Later Date).

Saturday, December 19, 2015 (v Elmira Jackals): Pucks for Paws – Teddy Bear Toss Night; Royals and Animal Friends Calendar giveaway (first 3000); Toys for Tots ‘Teddy Bear Toss’ When Royals Score First Goal; Local Cat and Dog Adoption on the Concourse; Royals wear Specialty Jersey with Post-Game Jersey Auction to Benefit Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Missions; Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity.

Saturday, January 2, 2016 (v Adirondack Thunder): Royal Resolution Night; Winter Trapper Hat giveaway presented by Deibler Dental (first 1500 fifteen and older); Post-Game / Intermission Shoot for a “Royals Resolution” To Declare Fan-Loyalty to the Team; Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity.

Sunday, January 3, 2016 (v Adirondack Thunder): Hockey Bingo Night; Interactive BINGO and Prizes for Fans During Game Night Activities.

Friday, January 8, 2016 (v Toledo Walleye): Teacher Appreciation Night; Ceremony Recognizing Local Educators for Contribution to Our Community; Battle of the Schools “Color Wars”.

Saturday, January 9, 2016 (v Toledo Walleye): Fifteenth Anniversary Celebration; Fifteenth Anniversary Commemorative Puck Number Two giveaway courtesy of Reading Health System (first 2000); Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity.

Sunday, January 10, 2016 (v South Carolina Stingrays): Princess Night; Special Appearance by Princess Characters; Post Game Skate with the Players and a Princess presented by Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex.

Monday, January 18, 2016 (v Adirondack Thunder): Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Matinee Game – Education Day; Buy One Adult Ticket – Get One Ticket FREE with $2.00 parking.

Friday, January 22, 2016 (v Brampton Beast): Flyers Affiliation Night; Flyers-Royals Themed Poster giveaway (first 2000); Appearance by Flyer Legend Bernie Parent; National Anthem Performed by Flyers Legend Vocalist Lauren Hart; Royals wear Flyers-Themed Specialty Jerseys (Game Worn Jerseys Will Be Available for Purchase—Details to Be Announced at a Later Date).

Saturday, January 23, 2016 (v Brampton Beast): Penn State University THON Night – Wall of Honor Night; 2016 Induction Ceremony into Royals Wall of Honor; Special Appearance by the Zooperstars and the Slapshot’s Cowbell Chorus; Royals wear PSU-Themed Specialty Jerseys with Post-Game Auction to benefit Four Diamonds of THON; Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity.

Sunday, January 24, 2016 (v Elmira Jackals): 90’s Night; Special Appearance by Green Power Ranger; 90’s-Themed Music Fuels Game Night Activities.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016 (v Manchester Monarchs): Wednesday Night Rivalry Game – Enter to Win Flyers Tickets; T-Shirt Fired-Up Frenzy (250 T-Shirts for Frenzied Fans during Game Night Activities).

Saturday, February 13, 2016 (v Adirondack Thunder):  Pink in the Rink – American Cancer Society ‘Caring for Cancer’ Night; Women’s Winter Gloves giveaway courtesy of Sweet Street Desserts (first 1500 ladies); Royals wear Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Specialty Jersey with Post-Game Auction to benefit Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County and the American Cancer Society; Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity.

Sunday, February 14, 2016 (v Adirondack Thunder): Valentine’s Day – Couples Day; Intermission Battle of the Sexes Games; Special Performance by Slapshot’s Cowbell Chorus.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016 (v Manchester Monarchs): Wednesday Night Rivalry Game – CLUE (“Colonel Mustard in the Left-Wing Offensive-Zone Corner with an RBK-Hockey Composite One-Piece”) Night; CLUE-Related Interactive Games for Fans and T-Shirt Fired-Up Frenzy (250 T-Shirts for Frenzied Fans during Game Night Activities).

Friday, February 19, 2016 (v Manchester Monarchs): Hockey is Heart Healthy – Youth Hockey Night; Fifteenth Anniversary Commemorative Puck Number Three giveaway courtesy of Reading Health System (first 2000).

Friday, March 4, 2016 (v Wheeling Nailers): Social Media Night; Fan-Interactive Social Media Games and Related Giveaways.

Saturday, March 5, 2016 (v Wheeling Nailers): Scout Night – Mascot Mania!; Fifteenth Anniversary Commemorative Puck Number Four giveaway courtesy of Reading Health System (first 2000); Special Performance by Fur Circus; Intermission Performance Honoring “Slapshot’s Fifteenth Birthday” by Fifteen of His Fine, Furry Friends; Royals wear Boy Scout-Inspired Specialty Jersey with Post-Game Auction to Benefit Hawk Mountain Council; Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity; Post-Game Scout-Sleepover with Movie Presentation on Center-Hung Scoreboard (All Scouts Invited).

Sunday, March 6, 2016 (v Norfolk Admirals): Battle of the Badges Night; Pre-Game: Reading Police Department v Reading Fire Department Hockey Game (12:30 pm) (One Ticket Gains Admission to Battle of the Badges and Royals’ Game); Player Trading Card Set giveaway (first 1000); $1.00 Hot Dogs; Post-Game Autograph Session with the Entire Team.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 (v Kalamazoo Wings): Wednesday Night Rivalry Game – Hockey Movie Night; T-Shirt Fired-Up Frenzy (250 T-Shirts for Frenzied Fans during Game Night Activities).

Friday, March 25, 2016 (v Manchester Monarchs): Superhero Night; Special Appearances by Superhero Characters and Superhero-Themed Intermission Activities.

Saturday, April 2, 2016 (v Norfolk Admirals): Autism Awareness Night; ‘Slapshot’ Stress Reliever giveaway courtesy of Reading Health System (first 2000); Royals Wear Autism Themed Specialty Jersey with Post-Game Auction to benefit Unending Promise and other organizations dedicated to assistance of those impacted by autism; Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity;

Sunday, April 3, 2016 (v Norfolk Admirals): Game Show Night; Team Picture giveaway (First 3,000); Post-Game Skate with the Players presented by Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex.

Saturday, April 9, 2016 (v Wheeling Nailers): Fan Appreciation Night; Giveaways at Every Stoppage of Play; Special Performance by Slapshot’s Cowbell Chorus; Diamond Credit Union Saturday Night Shoot for Community younity FINALE: Post-Game Team Awards Presentation.

The Fifteenth Anniversary Season of Royals’ hockey kicks off with back-to-back games against the South Carolina Stingrays at North Charleston Coliseum on Saturday (October 17) and Sunday (October 18). Reading opens the home portion of the team’s schedule on Saturday, October 24, (7:00 pm) when the Elmira Jackals visit Santander Arena. The home opener will be preceded by a Block Party complete with a FREE concert by the Gin Blossoms. Season Tickets for the 2015-16 Reading Royals ECHL season are currently available. Call 610-898-7825 for more information or log onto www.royalshockey.com.

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