PREGAME – PURPLE CARPET EVENT & GATE GIVEAWAY
The evening kicks off with the team’s annual Purple Carpet event starting at 4 p.m. in the United Center Atrium. The Purple Carpet will honor fans who are currently battling cancer, in remission or walking in memory of a loved one who was lost to the disease, and the Blackhawks invite fans attending Sunday’s game to come early to cheer on the honorees.
Atrium doors will open at 3:30 p.m. for the Purple Carpet event, with gates to the United Center to follow at 4:30 p.m.
Tickets for Sunday’s Hockey Fights Cancer game are available through Blackhawks.com/Tickets, and the first 10,000 fans to enter the United Center (including the Atrium) will receive a “Hockey Fights Cancer” scarf, courtesy of CIBC.
IN-GAME ACTIVITIES
There will be several additional opportunities for fans both at the arena and at home to show their support for the movement or contribute funds to the cause, including:
“I Fight For” Signs: “I Fight For” signs will be available inside the Atrium and around the concourse for fans to personalize upon arrival, and fans following along at home can also show their support for the ones they are fighting for by downloading a sign here. All are encouraged to take a photo and share using #HockeyFightsCancer and tagging @NHLBlackhawks on Sunday.
Ceremonial Puck Drop: The Blackhawks invite fans to cheer on Haddie McMahon, a 4-year-old who is in remission after fighting against a rare stage 4 brain cancer at three months old for a ceremonial puck drop prior to the game.
Starting Lineup: The Blackhawks encourage fans to rally behind six kids who currently are battling or have recently won their battle against cancer as they join the starting lineup during the national anthem. Participants include Brendan Nelson (9-years-old), Mikey Hollingsworth (6-years-old), Jorgie Espinoza (10-years-old), Liam Willis (9-years-old), Nathan Garza (6-years-old) and Frankie Techter (12-years-old).
Bell Ringing Celebration: The Blackhawks also invite fans to cheer on Samantha Stuewe, a local hockey mom of two who recently learned she is now considered cancer-free after being diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in October 2022, for her bell-ringing that celebrates the major milestone of treatment completion. She will be joined by her two sons and her husband, who is a Little Blackhawks coach.
Cancer-Related Resources: A number of Chicago Blackhawks Foundation community partners will also be in the Atrium and/or along the concourse to share resources and information with fans. These organizations include Bear Necessities, City of Hope, Make A Wish, Northshore, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Ronald McDonald House Charities and The Ross K. MacNeill Foundation.
Mystery Pucks, 50/50 & More: Player-autographed mystery pucks will be sold in the Atrium and at the community table located outside of section 104/105. A portion of proceeds from the puck sales as well as Split-the-Pot and the Blackhawks silent auction will be donated across cancer-related causes. Fans located in Illinois can purchase their Split-the-Pot tickets from home at Blackhawks5050.com for their chance to win big while giving back to this great cause!
Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres starts at 6 p.m. and can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago as well as heard on WGN Radio and in Spanish on Latino Media Network radio, 1200 WRTO-AM.
