September 8, 2006- The Cedar Rapids RoughRiders will open the doors to the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena on Sunday evening, October 1, for the 2006 RoughRiders Open House. The open house, which will run from 6:00PM to 7:00PM, will give fans a chance to skate with the 2006-07 RoughRiders and will also feature an autograph session and arena tours. Admission to the open house is free.

“We are thrilled to be able to hold an open house for a second year in a row,” said RoughRiders Vice President Jim Calpin. “It was certainly something that went over very well with our fans last year. This time around we hope even more of our fans will be able to take advantage of this rare opportunity to spend some time with our players and get a behind the scenes look at the RoughRiders.”

Fans will have the chance to get out on the ice for a free skate (not including skate rental) with their favorite players from 6:00 to 6:30. RoughRiders players will also sign autographs for fans from 6:30 to 7:00.

RoughRiders Coach and General Manager Mark Carlson will also be on hand for a “Hockey 101” session. Carlson will instruct fans in the basics of hockey and answer questions

As part of the open house fans will also be able to tour both the team’s locker room and the ice arena’s exclusive luxury suites.

The two-time defending East Division champion RoughRiders will open their eighth season in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, October 7 at home against the Green Bay Gamblers. 2006-07 season tickets are currently available through the RoughRiders’ business office (247-0340). In addition to the same great seats for every exciting RoughRider home game, season ticket holders also receive a host of special benefits available exclusively to them.

Regular season single game tickets will go on sale Monday, September 25.