Amerks to host outdoor game in 2013-14

The Rochester Americans, along with the Rochester Red Wings and Rochester Institute of Technology, announced today that Frontier Field will host an outdoor hockey event from Dec. 13 to Dec. 22, 2013.

The 10-day festival will be a celebration of hockey spent outdoors in downtown Rochester, beginning with a regular-season AHL game at Frontier Field between the Amerks and an opponent that will be announced at a later date.

As part of the event at Frontier Field, which is home to Triple-A baseball’s Rochester Red Wings of the International League, the downtown ballpark will also host a college hockey doubleheader for the RIT men’s and women’s NCAA Division I hockey teams, several Section V High School hockey games, an Alumni Game featuring former players from the Amerks and Buffalo Sabres, and community events. Blocks of ice time will be made available to the public for corporate events, private parties and youth/adult hockey practices and games.

“We are extremely excited to work with our community partners in bringing outdoor hockey to Rochester,” said Rochester Americans/Buffalo Sabres President Ted Black. “While the chance to play an outdoor game will be an exciting opportunity for our players and coaches, the event as a whole will allow the entire community to share in a special experience.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Monroe County and the Sabres, Amerks, RIT, Section V and Rink Specialists to bring this world class, Big League event to our community,” said President/CEO/COO of Rochester Community Baseball Naomi Silver. “We pride ourselves on creating lifelong memories for our fans and there’s no doubt that this event is something that Rochesterians will cherish for a long time.”

"We are absolutely thrilled to be part of this wonderful community event,” said RIT Executive Director of Athletics Lou Spiotti. “I speak for all of our coaches and student-athletes when I say that RIT is proud to provide quality collegiate hockey to our fans, alumni and the Rochester community. We are honored to be asked to participate and to have league partner Niagara University and Liberty League partner, Clarkson University join us for this event. We will work very hard to make this a memorable experience for all."

"Monroe County is delighted to host this week filled with winter fun and great hockey at a truly unique location, Frontier Field," said County Executive Maggie Brooks. "I applaud the Rochester Americans and Rochester Red Wings for coordinating what will be a memorable week not just for hockey fans."

The outdoor rink will be constructed at Frontier Field by Rink Specialists, a global ice skating rink sales, installation and repair company that provides ongoing operational efficiency and consulting services.

While complete ticket information on all events will be available at a later date, the best way to assure tickets to the Amerks outdoor game is to be an Amerks or Red Wings Season Ticket Holder. For Amerks Season Ticket Holders, the game will be included in their 37-game ticket packages, though they will have the right to opt out of the game. Red Wings Season Ticket Holders will also have access to a ticket presale. Fans that wish to be notified of ticket information via email as it becomes available can do so by visiting www.amerks.com/outdoor.