DECC Announces New Tailgating Event Ahead Of First UMD Hockey Game

Ready or not, hockey season is here! Both the men's and women's teams at the University of Minnesota-Duluth have started their seasons on the road, but the first home games of the season are coming up fast!

The Bulldogs men's team will play its first game of the season at AMSOIL Arena this coming weekend (October 10 and 11), taking on the Augustana University Vikings - Duluthian C.J. Ham's alma mater.

Augustana is a newer opponent, recently moving up to Division I hockey, joining the CCHA for the 2023-2024 season.

To get fans excited for the new season and the weekend's games, the team at the DECC announced plans for a first-of-its-kind free tailgating event before both games this coming weekend!

READ MORE: AMSOIL Arena Announces New Foods Ahead Of 2025-2026 UMD Season

The free event is described by organizers as a "BBQ atmosphere", which will feature the UMD Pep Band, appearances from UMD mascot Champ, and the UMD Hockey Cheer Team.

If you're hungry, Stokke's Meat Market will be serving up barbecue food for purchase, and there will be a cash bar on-site to enjoy a beverage or two before the game.

The tailgating events will be hosted along the DECC waterfront area along Harbor Drive behind the DECC. Friday's event will be from 5 pm to 7 pm ahead of the 7:07 pm puck drop at AMSOIL. Saturday's event will be from 4 pm to 6 pm ahead of the 6:07 pm puck drop.

The weather should be perfect, too! Nice fall-like weather is expected Friday, with temperatures in the upper-50s and clear conditions that will offer a nice view of the setting sun over the harbor!

Saturday's weather will be similar, with temps in the upper-50s expected and a few clouds, though it might be a little breezier.

After the UMD Men host their first series at AMSOIL, they have a home-and-home with Bemidji State the following weekend. The game in Duluth will be Saturday, October 18. The UMD Women will be home for their first series against the MSU Mankato Mavericks on October 17 and 18.

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While you're at a game this season, there will be 6 new foods to check out! The concessions team at AMSOIL unveiled its new foods for the 2025-2026 season. Here's a look at them: