For over 20 years, the Rockford IceHogs has been a destination for families looking for fun and affordable things to do in the greater Rockford area.
As Rockford’s only professional sports team and the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, the IceHogs provides fans of all ages with the opportunity to see future hockey stars and champions. Since the IceHogs’ inception in 1999, 138 different players have gone on to play in the National Hockey League and 25 players have hoisted the Stanley Cup after playing for the IceHogs.
Equally impressive is the impact the IceHogs has on its fans. The entertainment starts from the moment a fan enters the BMO Harris Bank Center and doesn’t let up until the final horn has sounded.
With that in mind, here are the top five reasons to bring your family to an IceHogs game.
1. It’s fun: Watching the amazing action on the ice provides non-stop excitement, but beyond that, the in-game contests are not only entertaining to watch, they are even more fun if you participate. You can play Plinko for a chance to win some amazing prizes from the IceHogs and Bucciferro Family McDonald’s, including free fries for a year, or have the whole family compete in an on-ice intermission contest like the Meijer Shopping Cart Race. Or take a more passive approach and hop on the IceHogs app to play “Pick 3” or trivia. There is no shortage of entertainment at an IceHogs game.
2. It’s affordable: Advance tickets for an IceHogs game start as low as $11, and promotions like “Family Fun Sundays” provide the opportunity to add just $5 to any upper-level ticket to receive a voucher for a hot dog or brat, a bag of chips, and a soda, meaning a family of four can easily enjoy a game with refreshments for under $100.
3. It’s special: There’s nothing quite like seeing the smile on a child’s face while taking a spin on the Hamboni (a truly one-of-a-kind on-ice experience), taking a selfie with the IceHogs’ mascot, Hammy, or catching a T-shirt from the Promo Team. IceHogs moments are special moments the family will remember for years to come.
4. It’s social: After two years of pandemic life, many residents are ready to get out and be around people again. Live sports have always provided a unique, shared experience unlike any other. An IceHogs game is a great way to spend time with like-minded people, cheering on your hometown team.
5. It’s community-focused: By attending an IceHogs game, you are supporting an organization that not only provides a service to the community, but one that also gives back to the community. Through annual events like “Hockey Fights Cancer Night,” “Autism Awareness Night,” and other fundraising endeavors, the IceHogs have contributed over $1.5 million to the Rock River Valley since 1999.
Past beneficiaries of the IceHogs’ charitable work have included The Autism Program of Easterseals, Special Olympics, March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Boys and Girls Clubs of Rockford, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, Jr. IceHogs hockey program, SwedishAmerican Foundation, the Bryan and Amanda Bickell Foundation, and the Greg Lindmark Foundation.
To learn more about the IceHogs’ community service and charitable work, go to icehogs.com/community.
The IceHogs have 11 home games remaining this season. If you are ready to make some unforgettable family memories, go to icehogs.com and get your tickets today!
