Blackhawks to roll out the red carpet Monday

The Chicago Blackhawks will launch their home opener on Monday with a red carpet event on Madison Street from 5 to 5:30 p.m. the team faces off against the Nashville Predators at the United Center that night.

Blackhawks players will arrive via limousine on Madison Street in front of Gate 3 at 5 p.m. and will each be introduced before walking down a red carpet and into the United Center. Eddie Olczyk will serve as the master of ceremonies.

"The home opener is always a special night for our organization and we wanted our fans to share in it by getting close to their hockey heroes before they take the ice on Monday night," said Pete Hassen, senior director of marketing.

The event also will feature appearances by Blackhawks alumni Stan Mikita, Jim Pappin , Cliff Koroll, and Jack O'Callahan. Parking lots around the United Center will open at 4 p.m., while gates will open for the home opener at 6 p.m. Madison Street between Damen and Wood will be closed from 4-6 p.m. to accommodate the event.