Limited tickets remain for Brock University’s 23rd Steel Blade Classic hockey game, which will hit the ice at the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines on Friday, Sept. 22.

Part of the University’s Homecoming celebration, the event is expected to draw thousands of people to watch the Brock Badgers men’s hockey team take on the Guelph Gryphons.

Here’s what you need to know leading up to the game:

Don’t put the bad in Badger
Brock University prides itself on being a good community neighbour. Steel Blade is an exciting event, but everyone attending the game is reminded to celebrate responsibly and make smart decisions. Any students arriving to the bus pickup locations or the Meridian Centre itself who are visibly intoxicated will be refused entry and no refunds for purchased tickets will be given. Drink responsibly, and stay hydrated and well-fed.

Getting to the game
To make attending the event safe and convenient, Brock is providing free shuttle buses running on a continuous loop to the Meridian Centre from the University’s main campus from 4:15 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., with return service at the end of the game. Buses will pick up passengers on campus at Quarry View, Vallee and Lowenberger residences, as well as in front of the Student-Alumni Centre near Isaac’s.

Brock identification will be required to ride the shuttle bus at any time, and after 5:45 p.m., proof of Steel Blade ticket will also be required.

Tickets
Until the 7 p.m. puck drop, tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.ca

Limited tickets will also be sold at the Meridian Centre box office beginning at noon on Friday. After the doors open at 6 p.m., anyone looking to purchase tickets will have to go through security checkpoints prior to reaching the box office.

The Meridian Centre does not offer WI-FI. Ticket holders are encouraged to download their tickets onto their mobile device prior to entering the building. Screenshots of tickets will not be accepted.

What you can bring
Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the Meridian Centre, but empty, refillable water bottles are allowed. Bags smaller than 12”x12”x12” will be allowed, while laser pointers, professional cameras, drones, weapons of any kind and any drugs or alcohol are forbidden.

Security
Guests must pass through a magnometer, which requires the removal of keys, wallets, purses and anything metal that may set off the alarm.

A full list of Meridian Centre entry requirements is available on the venue’s website.

Fan Fest
The pre-game Fan Fest, beginning at 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, will offer food options such as the signature Badger Bratwurst; face painting and games, such as cornhole and a puck-shooting contest; the sale of vintage Badgers’ hockey jerseys; refreshments from Niagara Oast House Brewers; and music by DJ Dave Stiles.

All Meridian Centre policies will also apply at the Fan Fest event.

Badgers gear
For last-minute Badgers gear, the Campus Store is open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Merchandise will also be available on the concourse level of the Meridian Centre beginning at 6 p.m.

Parking
Parking will be unavailable at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts in downtown St. Catharines on Thursday, Sept. 21 and Friday, Sept. 22.

Please note that there is no parking at the Meridian Centre, so those planning to drive to Steel Blade are encouraged to park in one of the downtown parking garages.