Hockey makes a return to Baton Rouge on Dec. 8

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Ice hockey made a big return to Baton Rouge after a near 20-year hiatus.

“Baton Rouge needs hockey back,” said Joey Bourg, a visiting fan.

The Raising Cane’s River Center hosted the first of three exhibition games on Thursday, Dec. 8. The first game featured a matchup between the Mississippi Sea Wolves and the Carolina Thunderbirds.

Baton Rouge was home to a professional hockey league team known as the Kingfish back in the 1990s.

“It’s really a great opportunity for Baton Rouge and the city, and I’m looking forward to it. I think the fans will really show up for it,” said Byron Bourg.

The games will serve as a test to see if the community wants to eventually welcome a new team. If fans respond well, Baton Rouge could become home to the new Federal Prospects Hockey League franchise in 2023.

The league has been around for about 12 years and currently has teams in several parts of the United States. That includes a professional team in the state of Mississippi.

“I’ve got LSU season tickets, I’m a Pelicans half season ticket holder, but all of that would be put aside just to make sure I get a season ticket to this,” said James Sisson.

The Center sold 6,221 tickets for the first game, which was just shy of selling out.

The amount of support came as a slight surprise for some people.

“It is really surprising because hockey, south Louisiana, you really don’t put two and two together, so hopefully something will take off,” said Chad Coppola.

Leaders say the goal is to get at least 5,000 people to attend the next two games.

“Whoever is making those decisions will see there are people that do care about a non-traditional for Louisiana,” Sisson said.

The Sea Wolves beat the Thunderbirds in overtime 6 to 5.

Prices will range from $10-20. Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com under Hockey VIP Preshow Experience or at the Raising Cane’s River Center arena box office on River Road.

• MANAGED ENTRY

General and VIP Suite Doors - 6:00 PM

Game - 7:00 PM

Once your ticket has been scanned, there is no re-entry for any reason.

• CLEAR BAGS & PROHIBITED ITEMS

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• CASHLESS VENUE

They are a cashless facility in ALL AREAS of our venue.

All major credit cards are accepted.

• PARKING

Parking will be available in the East and West garages for $10.

The garages take CARD ONLY. Pre-purchase parking here.

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