Blackhawks hold 2nd annual training camp festival

Sept. 19, 2009 "This is a great way for our organization and fans to officially launch the season," Blackhawks Senior Vice President of Business Operations Jay Blunk said. "Fans are able to get an inside look at how a Blackhawks practice is run while also enjoying a festive atmosphere with the run, skate and street hockey tournament outdoors. We're also excited to be giving 1,000 young fans the opportunity to meet a player and get their autograph."

The marquee event of the Festival will allow fans inside the United Center to watch two sessions of Blackhawks practice with Head Coach Joel Quenneville wearing a microphone. Outside, the Festival will include a 5K walk/run and 10K inline skate named "The Mad Dash to Madison," as well as a three-on-three street hockey tournament, appearances from Blackhawks Alumni, live music, food and drink and entertainment for fans of all ages. The first 1,000 children (Ages 14 and under) will receive an autograph from a current Blackhawks player at the conclusion of the team's practice.

The Blackhawks open their 2009 preseason slate that same evening at the United Center, when they host the Washington Capitals at 7:30 P.M. Tickets to the 2009 Chicago Blackhawks Training Camp Festival, as well as registration for the "Mad Dash to Madison" and the three-on-three street hockey tournament, are available now by visiting chicagoblackhawks.com or calling (312) 455-7000. You can also purchase tickets at the box office. Tickets cost $5. Parking for the event is free in the United Center's Lot K.

Tickets for the Blackhawks' preseason game that night are available for purchase at chicagoblackhawks.com, by calling (312) 559-1212, at all Ticketmaster ticket centers, the Blackhawks Store (333 N. Michigan Ave.) and the United Center ticket office.

2009 Chicago Blackhawks Training Camp Festival Schedule of Events

7:00 A.M. - 5K and 10K "Mad Dash to Madison" on-site registration begins (Lot C)
8:00 A.M. - Three-on-Three Street Hockey Tournament (Lot C); 10K Inline Skate "Mad Dash to Madison" begins (Madison St., between Gates 2 and 3)
9:00 A.M. - 5K Walk/Run "Mad Dash to Madison" beings (Madison St., between Gates 2 and 3)
10:30 A.M. - First Blackhawks Training Camp practice begins (United Center ice) (Narration of the practice will be provided by Head Coach Joel Quenneville)
11:30 A.M. - Second Blackhawks Training Camp practice begins (United Center ice)
12:30 P.M. - Blackhawks training camp practice ends
4:00 P.M. - Training Camp Festival and street hockey tournament ends (Exact start and end times for Blackhawks practice are subject to change)