The highly anticipated Steel Blade Classic is back, marking its 25th anniversary and helping to celebrate Brock University’s 60th anniversary.

Thousands of fans will gather at the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines during Brock’s Homecoming to cheer on the Brock Badgers as they face the Guelph Gryphons.

Here’s everything attendees need to know before heading to the game:

Don’t put the bad in Badger

The Steel Blade Classic is a thrilling community event, but all fans are reminded to celebrate responsibly. Any students or attendees who are visibly intoxicated will be denied entry and will not have their tickets refunded. Spectators are reminded to stay hydrated, eat enough and make smart decisions to ensure a fun experience for everyone.

Getting to the game

To make it easy to get to the Meridian Centre, Brock is offering free shuttle buses running to and from the University’s main campus. The buses will run on a continuous loop from 5 to 7:30 p.m., with return trips after the game. Pickup locations include Quarry View, Vallee and Lowenberger residences. Brock student identification is required to ride the shuttle buses, and after 5:45 p.m., proof of Steel Blade ticket will also be required.

Ticket information

Tickets are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.ca until the 7 p.m. puck drop.

Limited tickets will also be sold at the Meridian Centre box office starting at noon on the day of the game. After doors open at 6 p.m., anyone wanting to purchase tickets at the box office will need to pass through security.

Attendees are encouraged to download their mobile tickets before entering the venue as the Meridian Centre does not offer WI-FI. Screenshots of tickets will not be accepted.

What you can bring

While outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the Meridian Centre, empty, refillable water bottles are permitted. Bags smaller than 12″x12″x12″ are allowed, but laser pointers, professional cameras, drones, weapons of any kind, drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited.

Security protocols

All guests will need to pass through a metal detector at the entrance, so should be prepared to remove keys, wallets and any metal items that could set off the alarm. More information on Meridian Centre entry requirements can be found on its website.

Fan Fest

Open to Steel Blade ticket holders, the pre-game Fan Fest runs from 5 to 6:45 p.m. outside the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA). The family-friendly event includes free Brock Badgers swag, live music from local Niagara talent, and food and drink options.

Merchandise

The Campus Store will be open Thursday, Sept. 19 and Friday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for last-minute Badgers gear. Merchandise will also be available at the Meridian Centre concourse starting at 6 p.m.

Parking

Parking is not available at the MIWSFPA on Thursday, Sept. 19 or Friday, Sept. 20.

Please note there is no parking at the Meridian Centre, so anyone driving to the game is encouraged to park in one of the nearby downtown parking garages.

Alumni VIP tickets

The exclusive Alumni VIP section is now sold out.

Those with VIP tickets can pick them up at the Alumni Tent outside the Meridian Centre’s main entrance during Fan Fest. Any unclaimed tickets can be collected at the Will Call desk inside the Meridian Centre before the game.