Libertyville readies for Blackhawks party
When the Chicago Blackhawks take the ice April 8 against the archrival Red Wings in Detroit, the anticipation will build — as it always does — with Jim Cornelison’s stirring delivery of the national anthem.
The difference is the locally renowned singer will be center stage at the Libertyville Sports Complex, which for one night will become United Center North for as many as 500 fans.
“That experience, with fans standing on their feet, you can imagine the excitement,” said Connie Kowal, director of the village-owned facility.
That it will be the second from last game of the year and likely have playoff implications will add to the fervor of the special viewing event, as the defending Stanley Cup champions bring a Roadwatch Party to Libertyville.
Fans in chairs and bleachers set up on the basketball courts in the southeast corner of the cavernous complex at Route 45 and Peterson Road will watch the game on a big screen in what is planned as a next-to-the-real-thing atmosphere.
“It’ll be neat to see how people dress up for the game,” said Kowal, a former executive with a variety of professional sports teams including the Chicago Cubs.
Blackhawk legend and Hall of Famer Denis Savard will sign autographs between the first and second intermission. Rally towels will be handed out and the signature red light will be lit when goals are scored, Kowal said.
Contests and raffles, booths and exhibits and a floor hockey area for kids are part of the package, billed as a family event.
General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for fans 18 and under. They are available for advance purchase only at (847) 918-7275 or at www.libertyvillesportscomplex.com.
The event is another promotion from the fertile mind of Kowal, who was hired last summer to spark the use and profile of the facility.
The Blackhawks regularly host the viewing events when the team is on the road as a way of increasing the fan base. But most are at various bars in Chicago. Alcohol will not be served at the Libertyville event.
Kowal said he had the idea a month into the job as the hockey season got under way but it took awhile to arrange. Relationships with heavy hitters, including Blackhawks president John McDonough didn’t hurt, Kowal acknowledged.
“It’s a great way for us to work with one of the iconic sports teams,” Kowal said. “For them to come to Libertyville, it’s a big deal.”
About the only thing missing will be the Stanley Cup, which is on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
Adding to the excitement is the aspect of the hated rival and the fact that by then the Hawks could have a chance to leapfrog Detroit for the Central Division title.
“It’s sort of like when the Cubs play the Cardinals,” Kowal said. “No matter where you are in the standings, we’ve got to beat them.”