Renew the Rivalry
Renew the Rivalry
Saginaw and Flint faceoff for the first time in 16 years
SAGINAW, MICH. – Today is a historic day at the Dow Event Center as the Saginaw Spirit and Flint Firebirds renew the historic rivalry between the two Michigan teams. Tonight the Coors Light 1-75 Divide kicks off the celebration of opening night for the 2015-16 Saginaw Spirit regular season and the coming of a new franchise to the Ontario Hockey League.
The rivalry between Saginaw and Flint dates back to the early 1970’s International Hockey League. The Saginaw Gears inaugural season was in 1972, playing at the Saginaw Civic Center, now known as the Dow Event Center. Their most bitter rival played only 40 minutes away in the city of Flint, Michigan. Known as the Generals, Flint began their IHL journey in 1969 playing out of the IMA Sports Arena, now known as the Dort Federal Event Center. The two teams played for geographical pride until 1983.
Saginaw and Flint would meet once again in the Colonial Hockey League in 1994. They would carry the rivalry through the next five seasons until the Gears moved to Canton, Ohio.
The rivalry is renewed tonight as the Saginaw Spirit take on the Flint Firebirds at the Dow Event Center. Puck drops at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call (989) 497-7747 or saginawspirit.com.
Join us before the game for the I-75 Divide Fan Fest at the First Merit Bank Event Park starting at 5 p.m. With a Saginaw Spirit ticket enjoy food and live music by Mandi Layne and the Lost Highway.
