Red carpet event to launch Blackhawks 2017-18 home opener on Thursday

The Chicago Blackhawks will launch their 2017-18 regular-season home opener on Thursday, Oct. 5, with a special red carpet event featuring appearances by current players and alumni in front of the United Center from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. The Blackhawks host the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:30 p.m. that evening.
The Blackhawks 2017-18 team will each be introduced before walking the red carpet from Gate 3 ½ to Gate 2 ½ on Madison Street, beginning at approximately 5:00 p.m. NBC Sports Chicago's Pat Boyle and Blackhawks Community Liaison Jamal Mayers will host the event with additional commentary from Blackhawks alumnus Adam Burish and NBC Sports Chicago's new home game reporter Michelle McMahon. NBC Sports Chicago will air coverage of the entire event from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Additionally, the red carpet will be streamed live on chicagoblackhawks.com.
The red carpet event, which has attracted thousands of fans each of the last eight seasons, is free to attend. While on-site, fans can visit the two-story Budweiser Party Lounge located on Madison Street in front of the United Center from 3 p.m. until puck drop. Additional entertainment options include an on-site DJ and appearances by Tommy Hawk and the Chicago Blackhawks Ice Crew.

Madison Street between Damen and Wood will be closed on Thursday to accommodate the event. Parking lots around the United Center will open at 3 p.m., while gates will open for the home opener immediately following the conclusion of the red carpet event at approximately 5:30 p.m. Fans who are attending the game are encouraged to be seated in the United Center by 7:00 p.m.
Please note that this is a weather-permitting event. Fans can visit chicagoblackhawks.com or Blackhawks social media channels for up-to-the-minute information.
Thursday's game can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago, streamed live online at NBCSportsChicago.com (NBCSportsChicago.com/BlackhawksStream) and the NBC Sports app, and heard on WGN Radio.