A Good Ol’ Hockey Game

Have you ever wanted to come to a Nation event but missed out because you wanted to bring your kids, or are not yet of age to get into the bar? We’ve listened to your feedback, and, on December 9th, we’re throwing a FREE all-ages game day party at West Edmonton Mall and you’re all invited to join us. 

As you all know, at the Nation we’re always down to throw a hockey-related shindig and when our friends at WEM asked if we would be interested in throwing a party at the Mall we jumped at the chance. At first, we weren’t really sure what this event was going to look like: were we going throw the party at a bar on Bourbon Street? How would that have been any different than the events we’ve thrown so many times before? That was until the folks at WEM suggested we take over their indoor rink for an all-ages viewing party complete with giveaways, food, drinks, a NationGear pop-up shop, and a Donnan/Vimy Hockey – Kids Zone. 

After picking our jaws up from off of the floor, we agreed to this new masterplan and headed back to Nation HQ to get to work. 

When it was decided that we were going to do this event at the mall we wanted to make it a night to remember, jammed with all sorts of things to do. As a result, we will literally be taking over the entire Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace and turning it into a hockey fan’s playground for the night. Whether you’re married with kids or single and ready to mingle, we’ve got something for you.

At the centre of the rink will be a general seating area for you and 399 (that’s 400 total. See what I did there?) of your closest friends, with the beer garden opening up space for another 200 people. Both the beer garden and the seating area will be a prime spot to watch the massive projection screen that will be showing the game. Whether you’re looking to watch the game or get yourself hydrated while it’s happening, there are options aplenty. Worried about leaving the party and missing the game to go get food? No problem. The culinary wizards at 1st Round will have food available for purchase right at the party itself. Food and drinks all in the same place? You’re sorted, my friends. 

Over on the left-hand side of the rink sits the Brick VIP Lounge. We’ve partnered up with The Brick to create a VIP experience that you’re going to want to win. As if watching the game on a giant screen from the comfort of the most relaxing furniture known to man isn’t enough, the fine folks at The Brick will be giving you a chance to win the ultimate furniture package for your home so that you can create your own VIP section. Because watching the game in luxury isn’t enough, you’ll also have the chance to stare at Jason Gregor while he records his radio show. Comfortably sitting next to the greatness that is Gregor? *whistles* Most importantly, all proceeds raised in the VIP lounge will be donated directly to the Children’s Miracle Network.

Lastly, no Nation party would be complete without a NationGear pop-up shop where you’ll be free to browse and upgrade your wardrobe as you see fit. We’ll be setting up shop with the designs you know and love as well as five new designs that aren’t even released yet. We actually had our order of gear show up at HQ today and I’m telling you that these five new items (two hats, two tees, and a hoodie) are straight fire. Frankly, I don’t think you’ll be able to walk out of the Mall without being swarmed (SWARM!) by the opposite sex. If you’re already spoken for I urge you to wear your new NationGear with caution. 

As I mentioned above, we really wanted to make this an event that you can bring your kids to, so we’ve partnered up with our friends at Donnan and Vimy Hockey to put together activities with your whole family in mind. 

On the right-hand side of the rink will be the Donnan/Vimy Hockey – Kids Zone, complete with everything from a bouncy castle (awesome!), to an NHL ’16 gaming area, to a goalie shootout area put on by our friends at Sportchek. Basically, what I’m trying to tell you is that those of you who are parents are going to want to eat something substantial for lunch because you’ll need the energy. 

The complete list:

Needless to say, your kids are going to want to be there and so should you. It’s going to be a great night for everyone involved, and, as mentioned, we wanted your whole family to be a part of it this time around.

Last but certainly not least, I’d like to thank all of our partners and sponsors for helping make this event come to life. I know how much work our sales staff put into this event, and it’s incredible to see how things progressed from concept to completion.

Huge thank you to everyone at West Edmonton Mall, The Brick, Vimy Hockey, Donnan, 1st RND, TSN 1260, Eddie Bauer, The Bear and everyone else that worked so hard to help us get this event off the ground. Your hard work is appreciated, and I can’t wait for December 9th to get here. It’s going to be a fantastic night.