The Minnesota Wild will open the playoffs in St. Louis Thursday, but fans can still watch the game on home ice.
The MN Wild club will host a pep rally from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rice Park in St. Paul. The Mayor Chris Coleman, Fox Sports North television analyst Wes Walz and KFAN's Brandon Mileski will be hosting. The first 250 people there will get a free hot dog or burger with chips and a drink. The rest can buy the same items until 1 p.m.
The team will then open the Xcel Energy Center for a free viewing party on the arena's video board. Gates 1 and 2 will open at 7:30, and the first 1,000 fans will get a free playoff rally towel.
Game time is 8:30 p.m. Concession stands will be open.
The team is encouraging fans who attend to bring a nonperishable food item or make a cash donation to the Wild Foundation.
