BLOG: Fans Arrive Early for Best Training Camp Festival Seats

In the early morning hours, fans lined up in droves outside the United Center - even braving morning storms - to make sure they could get the the best seats for the annual Training Camp kickoff when doors opened at 9 a.m.
Blackhawks.com spoke to just a few to get their stories and why Training Camp Festival means so much to them.

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Alaina Neal & Kassidy (9-years-old)4th Training Camp Festival (Kassidy's first)Left Rockford, Ill. at 5:30 a.m.

"I like that it's inexpensive," Alaina explained. "Especially for people that are getting the change to sit this close when, normally, we sit way up top. It's super accessible for people who can't afford normal games to check it out and see what it is all about."

Nancy Kucinski & Donna McClain4th Training Camp FesitvalArrived at 7:15 a.m.

"It's just fun. It's a lot of fun," said Nancy. "The energy that's here. The fan friendliness. The ease of sitting in different seats that you're not able to sit in all of the time. It's a feel-good experience. A fun way to start the beginning of the season."
"It's exciting! It's fun to be here," Donna explained. "To be able to be close to the ice because I'd never be able to do that otherwise and to see all of the players."

Eric Schmalz & Brittany Schmidt1st Training Camp FestivalArrived at 8:15 a.m.

"I think what's really great is that rather than how much you spend [it's about] how dedicated you are to come out and sit and wait," said Brittany. "That's how you're able to get seats you might not usually have access to. Then to have access to team members and really see them in an element that you don't usually see them in is really cool."

Kim Paulus & Karen Roman4th Training Camp Festival (Karen's first)Arrived at 7:30 a.m.

"It [gives] those of us that can't afford a front row seat like this the opportunity to come and experience a game," Kim said. "This organization really puts in a lot for their fans and it's very much appreciated. My 10-year-old is sick but he's here. He would not miss this. We've been up all night but he is here ready to rock and roll. We have a big crowd. All of our family is here."