The Los Angeles Kings announced they will play their home opener on Oct. 14 against the Philadelphia Flyers at Staples Center, 49 years to the day they played their first game, also against Philadelphia.
The home opener will be an integral part of the team’s 50th anniversary celebration, which will conclude with the 2017 NHL All-Star Game at Staples Center.
The home opener will include the unveiling of a more than-35-foot bronze, granite and glass monument outside Staples Center commemorating 50 seasons of Kings hockey and feature a tribute to the franchise’s greatest moments and greatest players.
Kings season ticket holders will have the opportunity to have their name etched in stone by making a contribution to the Kings Care Foundation, the team’s charitable arm.
The Kings will hold a 50th anniversary season Opening Weekend, which will feature several fan-friendly events, special appearances by several former legendary Kings players and the Kings serving as the presenting sponsor of a charity gala.
More details regarding the home opener will be announced later, a team official said.
The Kings also announced they will open the season Oct. 12 at San Jose, in a rematch of the first-round playoff series that the Sharks won in five games.
The remainder of the Kings 82-game regular-season schedule will be announced on Tuesday.