SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana hockey is in for another historic weekend as the Vikings play their first-ever contest in Sioux Falls. Leading up to puck drop on Saturday at 6:07 p.m. in the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, a full slate of events will celebrate the launch of Augustana hockey.
 
The fanfare leading up to the contest includes Jim Cornelison, best known for performing the National Anthem at Chicago Blackhawks games, performing the Star Spangled Banner Saturday evening.
 
As fans arrive to the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center on Saturday, the Augustana marching band will greet fans as they attend a pregame reception which begins at 3:30 p.m. The reception is open to all fans and includes a cash bar, snacks, a jazz band and an appearance by Coach Raboin.
 
As fans enter the arena, the first 1,000 will receive an Inaugural Season hockey puck presented by First PREMIER Bank / PREMIER Bankcard. In addition, all fans will receive a light up baton which will be used during pregame introductions.
 
Fans will want to be in their seats by 5:45 p.m. as pregame ceremonies will get underway. Following the starting lineups, Cornelison, who also appears yearly at the Indy 500 to perform Back Home Again, will take hold of the microphone for the National Anthem. There will also be a ceremonial puck drop to signal the official start of Augustana hockey. 

Following the game, a postgame gathering will take place at JJ's Wine, Spirits and Cigars (3000 W 57th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57108). 
 
On Sunday, doors to the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center open at 4 p.m. for the 5:07 p.m. puck drop. Performing the Star Spangled Banner prior to Sunday's contest is the Augustana Choir. Following Sunday's contest, a postgame gathering will be held at Crooked Pint Ale House (2020 W Russell St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104). 
 
Tickets to both contests are available online at GoAugie.com/HockeyTickets or by visiting the PREMIER Center Box Office. The box office opens at noon each day.
 
--GoAugie.com--