Somehow, we're less than two weeks from the start of the NHL season. For the Minnesota Wild, there will be quite a bit of hoopla as the team celebrates its 25th anniversary.

The Wild will open the 2025-26 campaign — which looks like it's going to be interesting in stressful ways — on Saturday, Oct. 11, against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

On Friday, the team announced its fan event plans for the opener, including a few throwbacks to 2000.

Starting at 3:30 p.m., fans can attend the Green Carpet Player Arrival and Pregame Party outside the newly re-named Grand Casino Arena. Fans can watch the players arrive at the Saint Paul RiverCentre while taking in some food and live music.

Tickets are required, but they're free, and you don't have to have tickets to the game to attend the pre-party.

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