Several Exciting Promotions Set For 2011 Great Lakes Invitational
Detroit, MI… The 47th Annual Great Lakes Invitational is fast approaching, with four high-profile NCAA squads set to descend upon Joe Louis Arena on December 29 and 30 for a single-elimination-style tournament that has become a holiday tradition for sports fans in southeastern Michigan. In addition to four action-packed college hockey games, attendees of this year's GLI are also in store for a wide variety of unique contests and promotions as Olympia Entertainment's 2011-12 'College Hockey in the D' schedule kicks off with a bang.
"We're very excited about the new elements we've added to the 2011 edition of the GLI," says Olympia Entertainment Director of Strategic Hockey Alliances Mike Bayoff. "This tournament has traditionally been a fun-filled, family-friendly event and we feel that the dynamic mix of promotions we're rolling out this year will enhance those traits and further add to the festive collegiate atmosphere at The Joe."
Host school Michigan Tech University will be setting up an interactive exhibition entitled 'The Science of Hockey' on the main concourse at JLA for fans to visit throughout the duration of the 2011 GLI. This innovative educational exhibition is designed to be enjoyed by hockey enthusiasts of all ages and features a variety of exhibits which incorporate scientific lessons with hockey-related paraphernalia and equipment.
Presented by MTU's Mind Trekkers Student Outreach Program, 'The Science of Hockey' will open at 2:00 p.m. on both December 29 and 30 and will remain open until the end of the first period of both of the tournament's afternoon (4:00 p.m.) games. Admission to 'The Science of Hockey' is free with the purchase of any GLI ticket.
Special GLI VIP Ticket Packages are also available for purchase this year, affording fans the opportunity to enjoy a one-of-a-kind college hockey experience. In addition to receiving a 'College Hockey in the D' t-shirt and a premium front row/glass seat, VIP ticket holders will also be invited to participate in a meet-and-greet with former Detroit Red Wings and NCAA players Chris Chelios and Doug Brown as well as a post-game on-ice experience. Priced at $65 apiece, more information on GLI VIP Ticket Packages can be obtained by calling (313) 396-7575.
An autographed college & pro jersey combo from NCAA alumni who've gone on to skate in the NHL will also be given away to four lucky fans at this year's GLI. Jerseys signed by Justin Abdelkader (Spartans/Red Wings), Doug Brown (Eagles/Red Wings), Chris Conner (Huskies/Griffins) and Jack Johnson (Wolverines/Kings) will all be given away during this year's GLI. In order to qualify to win one of these unique prizes, fans must fill out a ballot on the JLA concourse. One jersey package will be given away at each of the four matches scheduled to be played during the tournament.
The 2011 Great Lakes Invitational will begin with a match between Michigan State and Michigan Tech at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 29 followed by a battle between Boston College and Michigan later that evening (puck drop – 7:30 p.m.). The two winning teams will then compete for the GLI championship at 7:30 p.m. the following night, with the consolation final set to be staged immediately beforehand (puck drop – 4:00 p.m.). Tickets to this event are now available for purchase at the JLA Box Office (313-396-7575), all Ticketmaster (800-745-3000) outlets, and online at OlympiaEntertainment.com/CollegeHockeyInTheD.
