When you think family fun in the OKC metro, your first thought might not be a hockey game—but it might just be something new and exciting for your family to enjoy.
In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that I am a closet puck bunny—and hockey is, by far, my most favorite sport. So, even though I might be a little biased, but there really are some great reasons to check out our awesome professional hockey team, the Oklahoma City Barons. For my family, it is a fun, affordable way to spend an evening out…not to mention one more opportunity for my husband to catch the t-shirt that he has been trying to catch at a professional sporting event for years
Why You Should Go:
The Barons are just beginning their third season in Oklahoma City and are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL. If you were a fan of the Oklahoma City Blazers of the years past but haven't been to check out the Barons—you are sure to be impressed! This is a level of professional hockey never before seen in Oklahoma City, a fast-paced, highly-skilled game that breeds players directly into the NHL—in fact, 88% of current NHL players have played for AHL teams. In other words, this is the real deal.
This season is especially noteworthy due to the presence of many current NHL players on the Barons roster. With the NHL still in a lockout, many of the Oiler's star players are playing right here in OKC—a great opportunity to see some of hockey's rising stars in person. And one more advantage? You can see it all for ticket prices that are well-below NHL ticket prices (beginning at just $16)—making it an exciting change for a family-night out.
Where to Go:
The Oklahoma City Barons open their third season at home on Friday, October 19 at 7:00pm at the Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens in downtown OKC). Tickets begin at $16 and are available at the Cox Convention Center Box Office or at www.ticketmaster.com. Every Sunday is Family Fun Day with the Barons—including science fun with Science Museum Oklahoma and a postgame skate with the players (free skates are provided).
What to Do:
The Barons offer an ongoing schedule of fun promotions and giveaways—some notable offerings for family include:
- Every Saturday home game this season, the Oklahoma City Barons are giving away a car to one lucky fan. To celebrate, there will be a pre-game party before each Saturday home game beginning at 4:45 on the south side of the Cox Center. The pre-game party includes music and other festivities.
- On November 13, the Barons offer a day-time game designed for school field trips.
- On December 31, families can celebrate New Years Eve with the Barons with a home game, jersey giveaway and post-game fireworks.
- On February 1, the Barons' "Caring for Kids" night offers a Barons lunchbox for the first 1,500 children through the door.
How to Save:
On Sunday, October 29, the Barons will celebrate Halloween by offering a $5 discount on all regular admission tickets for those in costume, plus a Family Skate and autograph session with the players following the game.
Kids can join the Barons Power Players club for $20 and receive a limited edition t-shirt, water bottle and admission to one game each month with paid adult admission—a great way to save if you plan to attend more than one game this season. Find more about the Barons Power Players here.
And one last note—we attended one of the Barons preseason games last weekend and my husband FINALLY caught a t-shirt at the game. It was like it came out of the t-shirt cannon and came magically into his hands, so he can now check that off the bucket list! We took it as a good omen for the upcoming hockey season, and now I just have to convince him that he really doesn't need to wear the t-shirt every single day for good luck.
For more information about the Oklahoma City Barons, call (405)232-GOAL or visit okcbarons.com.
Go Barons!
Brooke
