Banner replica, courtesy of Bank of America, will be given away to fans on Opening Night.

DETROIT -- The Red Wings will kick-off the 2008-09 regular-season Thursday, October 9 at Joe Louis Arena with a special pre-game banner raising ceremony to honor the 2007-08 Stanley Cup champion Red Wings.

Fans are asked to arrive early for the special on-ice ceremony before the puck drops against the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7 p.m. EDT. (For fans attending the game, please note the new 7 p.m. start time.)

Members and management of the 2008-09 Red Wings will be formally introduced during the on-ice presentation prior to the raising of the championship banner. Returning to Hockeytown for Opening Night are retired Stanley Cup champions forward Dallas Drake and goaltender Dominik Hasek along with the eight trophies won by the 07-08 team including the
Jennings Trophy, Lady Byng Trophy, Norris Trophy, Selke Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, Presidents’ Trophy, Campbell Bowl and Stanley Cup.

All fans in attendance on Opening Night will receive an 8x14 replica championship banner, courtesy of Bank of America.

Season ticket packages, “Steve Yzerman 19-Game Packages”, “Gordie Howe 9-Game Packages” and single-game tickets for the entire 2008-09 season are currently available at the Joe Louis Arena Box Office, all TicketMaster locations, including Hockeytown Café, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy, or by phone at 248-645-6666. Fans also can purchase tickets by logging on to www.DetroitRedWings.com.