Al Sobotka showing off his new "Big Al's BBQ" apron. The aprons are on sale now at Joe Louis Arena.

DETROIT -- Red Wings' fans will have the chance to experience the best-tasting playoff tradition in sports this Saturday beginning at 4:30 p.m. EDT when the Red Wings and Big Al Sobotka host a pre-game BBQ on the street-level apron outside the east entrance to Joe Louis Arena (along the Detroit River) prior to Game 2 of the Western Conference finals against the Dallas Stars.

Big Al’s BBQ will continue through game time. The puck drops at 7 p.m.

Sobotka and the Joe Louis Arena executive chefs will be grilling up Italian sausages ($5), cheese steak sandwiches ($7) and fresh corn on the cob ($2). Ice cold beverages will be available for purchase as well.

The Detroit Martin Luther King High School marching band will add to the festive atmosphere outside JLA, entertaining fans as they enjoy the barbeque leading up to Game 2.

Foundation to sell Big Al aprons: The Detroit Red Wings Foundation will continue selling limited edition Big Al’s BBQ Aprons on Saturday.  This must-have grilling accessory features Hockeytown’s favorite cephalopod, Al the Octopus, with proceeds benefiting the Detroit Red Wings Foundation. A limited number of the aprons available will be autographed by the Red Wings' own Al Sobotka. Autographed aprons are $20, non-autographed aprons are $15. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Big Al’s BBQ will continue through game time. 

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Tickets for the Western Conference finals of the Stanley Cup playoffs are available at the Joe Louis Arena box office, all Ticketmaster locations, including Hockeytown Cafe, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy, or charge by phone at 248-645-6666. Fans also can purchase tickets by logging on to DetroitRedWings.com.