The Rochester Americans announced details for the team’s 2025-26 Home Opener presented by the American Diabetes Association, featuring a pregame Roc the Block Party, Happy Hour, giveaways and more ahead of the Amerks’ season-opening matchup against the Toronto Marlies on Friday, Oct. 10 at The Blue Cross Arena.
“We are honored to partner with the Amerks as they celebrate their historic 70th season,” said Denise Nicastro, Executive Director, American Diabetes Association of Upstate New York. “This collaboration not only raises awareness about diabetes but also directly supports Camp Aspire, where children living with diabetes can connect, grow, and thrive in a safe and empowering environment. The Rochester community’s support makes it possible for us to continue providing these life-changing experiences.”
The Opening Night festivities begin with a pregame Roc the Block Party on Broad Street beginning at 4 p.m. The event will include an assortment of family-friendly activities, such as a bounce house, face painting, games and a photo booth, along with a live performance from the Special Blend. The event will also feature an appearance by various Amerks Alumni members, including Hall of Famers Randy Cunneyworth, Jody Gage, Jim Hofford and Steve Langdon among others.
To accommodate the event, Broad Street will be closed and inaccessible from Exchange Boulevard and South Avenue. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to allow enough time to navigate through the congested streets surrounding Blue Cross Arena while parking is also expected to fill up fast.
There will also be an extended Pregame Happy Hour, presented by Genesee Brewery, before the game where fans 21 and older can enjoy $5 12-ounce can beer specials outside at the Block Party as and inside at the Genesee Brew House at Blue Cross Arena (located at the top of the stairs in the main atrium) until puck drop.
Prior to the game, the Amerks will honor the life and career of Hall of Famer and Calder Cup champion Scott Metcalfe in a moment of silence. Metcalfe, who played nine seasons (1987-91, 1993-98) in Rochester over multiple stints, passed away suddenly in June at the age of 58. He became an instant fan favorite due to his tenacious play and endless devotion to the community. A former first-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers, “Metter,” as he was affectionately known, amassed 349 points on 137 goals and 212 assists while also piling up a franchise record 1,424 penalty minutes over 499 career regular-season games in the red, white and blue.
The Amerks will usher in their historic 70th anniversary season with a nod to the past, wearing the first of six specialty throwback jerseys specific to each decade in team history. Friday’s season-opener pays tribute to the early days of the franchise with sweaters inspired by the 1950s.
The one-of-a-kind jerseys will be auctioned off on DASH, a sport-focused online auction platform and partner of the Amerks, to benefit American Diabetes Association. To access the auction, visit www.amerks.com/auction, or text “DASH” to 66866, click on the download link and install DASH on your mobile device. Fans can then create their own personal profile and select the Amerks as their favorite team to start bidding. The auction will be open for bidding beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 10 and closes at 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17. Winners will be contacted directly.
The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative 70th anniversary Amerks magnet set. Tickets for the 2025-26 Home Opener start at just $10.
