Erie Otters Announce 2026/27 Promotional and Giveaways Schedule
From the return of fan-favorite promotions, to new and unique nights that promise to become popular, the 2026-27 season calendar truly has something to fit everyone’s taste – from longtime fans to first-time attendees.
Marketing and Community Engagement Manager Haleigh Giebel and the Otters’ marketing & promotions team worked to craft a schedule reflective of the excitement and anticipation to come from the team on the ice.
Mark your calendars, find your favorite promotions, and get ready for the 30th season of hockey in downtown Erie – Otters style!
SEPTEMBER
To kick off the 30th season in team history, the Erie Otters take the ice for the Home Opener (pres. by Rebich Investments) at 6:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 26. Hours before doors open and the Otters take the ice, the organization will host its fifth-annual Home Opener Fan Fest. This year’s Fan Fest will look a bit different than years past but will still feature entertainment, food trucks, vendors and plenty for the whole family to do before we all come together into the rink to watch the Otters take on the Rangers. Details about the new-look event will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
When the doors officially open, the first 5000 fans in attendance will receive a free Erie Otters Rally Towel (pres. by Rebich Investments), as the Otters prepare for the first battle of the season against the Kitchener Rangers. Make sure to arrive early for the season’s first giveaway!
OCTOBER
The month of October begins with the Ottawa 67’s making their lone trip to town. It all starts with the 2026/27 Magnet Schedule (pres. by iHeart Media Erie) giveaway to the first 1000 fans through the door. The perfect way to start the first full month of the OHL season!
Spend less, get more! This season, we’re continuing to start your weekend happy with 3-2-1 Fridays! Every Friday home game – starting on Friday, October 16 – fans can enjoy $3 Labatt Blue Light, $2 hot dogs, and $1 popcorn until the start of the third period. More bang for your buck every Friday night for another year! This season will see this fan-favorite promotion kickoff on October 16 against the Soo Greyhounds.
The rival London Knights make their first of three visits to the Flagship City on Saturday October 17. As we celebrate the 30th season of Otters hockey, the first 2000 fans through the door on this Saturday night will receive an Otters Pennant (pres. by Senior Helpers). A perfect way to spend a Saturday in downtown Erie!
The 30th season of Erie Otters hockey is here and this season, the organization will celebrate some of the milestones and moments that have made the Otters organization. The first of these nights bringing together past and present will take place on October 24th on ‘02 Championship Night (pres. by Rebich Investments) as the Otters take on the Niagara IceDogs in game two of the OHL’s Rivalry Week. The Otters will take the ice in the uniforms worn by Brad Boyes and company as Sean Courtney scored the overtime winner to give Erie their first OHL Championship. The first 2,000 fans will take home an Otters Viewfinder (pres. by Rebich Investments) to commemorate the occasion. This night will feature alumni appearances and more as we turn back the clock to the beginning of the millennium.
NOVEMBER
School is in session for Erie’s first home game of November as the Kitchener Rangers come to town for the annual School Day Game. Enjoy a special 11 A.M. puck drop and a terrific Midwest Division battle with the Kitchener Rangers. There is no better way to start the day than with Otters hockey!
During Military Family Month, the Otters honor those who serve and have served in the United States and Canadian Militaries on Military Appreciation Night (pres. by Your Central Western Toyota Dealer). The first 2000 fans through the doors will receive an Otters House Flag (pres. by Your Central Western Toyota Dealer). On top of our ceremonies for all the branches of the militaries, the Otters will also take the ice in warm ups in a specialty military-themed jersey. After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned off to benefit DAV and Uncommon Grit Seal Foundation. All gave some, Some gave all.
We’re celebrating all things Erie on Friday November 20, on 814 Night. The Otters will bring to light some of the local businesses thriving in the Erie area with a small business fair on the concourse. Join us for the season’s first home match-up with the Saginaw Spirit, and take a look around the concourse at the Small Business Fair, with local businesses showing off what they do best! It’s also another 3-2-1 Friday with plenty of specials to kick-off the weekend.
The Otters and Highmark Caring Place (Erie) combine forces once more for the fifth-annual Children’s Grief Awareness Night (pres. by Highmark Caring Place) on Saturday, November 21. This one-of-a-kind theme night in sports has grown every year, and this year is no different. The 2026 edition of CGAN with HCP will bring back some of the staples of one of the more emotional nights of the season. The first 2000 fans into the building will receive an Otters Pop-It (pres. by Highmark Caring Place). It’s okay to not be okay.
An all-new tradition is underway in Erie, PA – on Wednesday, November 25 it’s a celebration of Bears & Beers (pres. by Rebich Investments). This pre-Thanksgiving night of fun will be headlined by happy hour drink specials leading into the 18th Annual Teddy Bear Toss after the Otters’ first goal of the game with the rival London Knights in town. To make the night even more memorable, the first 2000 fans will receive an Otters Salt and Pepper Shaker Set (pres. by Rebich Investments), just in time to cook turkey dinner on Thursday. This is sure to be your family’s favorite way to celebrate the holiday season; bring your bears and have fun.
After the Turkey has been devoured and the shopping has been done, join us at the EIA for November’s final game as the Otters take on the Windsor Spitfires. The first 2000 fans through the doors will receive a Connor McDavid Lunchbox thanks to Preece Heating and Cooling. A terrific giveaway to wrap-up the month.
DECEMBER
The Force is strong with these fans! The always-popular Star Wars Night (pres. by the Millcreek Mall) strikes back to begin the month on Sunday, December 13 – as the London ‘Knights of Ren’ come to town. This is episode six of Erie and London playing on Star Wars Night in the last six seasons. The first 2000 fans in attendance will receive a free LED Foam Finger (pres. by the Millcreek Mall). All around the concourse, fan favorite characters from the Star Wars saga will be in attendance for photo opportunities, and in-game, plenty of intergalactic fun will be had.
The Kingston Frontenacs make their lone visit to town on Friday, December 18th for the final 3-2-1 Friday of 2026. Great pre-holiday concession deals allow you to get the best bang for your buck right before we break for the holidays.
There’s no better way to go into the new year than with our annual New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Night (pres. by Printing Concepts)! This special Wednesday night game will have a 6:00 P.M. puck drop in our first home game of the season against Brantford, with the first 2000 fans getting a 2027 Team Calendar (pres. by Printing Concepts). Before the ball drops, grab your skates and join our players on the ice for a memorable Post-Game Skate.
JANUARY
You asked for it, you got it, the Red Jerseys are back for ONE NIGHT ONLY. It’s We Brought Back the Red Jersey Night (pres. by Stairways Behavioral Health). The Otters will bring back the Red Alternate Jersey worn in the mid-2000’s by fan-favorites like Ryan O’Reilly. The first 2000 fans through the door will receive Erie Otters Trading Pins (pres. by Stairways Behavioral Health). Rock your red for what is sure to be an unforgettable night.
FEBRUARY
The month of February brings with it another championship celebration as we come together for 2017 Championship Weekend as the Otters battle their opponents from the 2017 Conference Finals, the Owen Sound Attack on Saturday February 6th and Sunday February 7th. This weekend is set to feature the Otters rocking their famous Gold Script uniforms worn when Anthony Cirelli scored the winner to give Erie their second J. Ross Robertson Cup. Details are coming soon on what will be an unforgettable weekend in the Flagship City and one fans will not want to miss.
MARCH
Dropping the mitts to fight for a cause! In collaboration with UPMC, Hockey Fights Cancer weekend begins at 6:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 6. The Otters will be adorned in Cancer Awareness specialty jerseys. Around the concourse will be balloon & light displays from Rubber Ducky Balloon Designs. The first 2,000 fans into the rink will receive an LED Glow Stick.
Hockey Fights Cancer Weekend all comes to a close on Sunday, March 7 as the weekend comes to an end with the Otters taking on the Sudbury Wolves for the one and only time in Erie this season.
There’s no bigger party in Erie than that of a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (pres. by Erie County Community College), and while the Otters may not play at home on the day of the holiday, the team will still celebrate in style on Saturday, March 13. The first 2000 fans in the arena will receive a free Clear Cross Body Bag (pres. by EC3). Wear your green garb and get ready for a night of fun downtown – before your night of fun downtown!
The St. Patty’s Weekend celebration concludes on Sunday, March 14 with the final game of the season against the Memorial Cup host Guelph Storm. It’s the final Sunday of the season bringing with it the final 4:00 P.M. start time.
All good things must come to an end, and on Saturday, March 20 the final regular season home game occurs for Fan Appreciation Night (pres. by Plyler Entry Systems). The first 2000 fans in attendance will receive a free 2025-26 Erie Otters team poster (pres. by Plyler Entry Systems). We say thank you to the best fans in hockey by welcoming in the Brantford Bulldogs to close out the home schedule – and hopefully begin to rev up for the 2027 OHL Playoffs!
Giveaways, specialty nights, and appearances all season long – the year of the Otter is ahead! Don’t miss a single moment of the new year of Otters Hockey; 2026-27 Full Season Tickets are on sale now for as low as $13/game.
