The Chicago Blackhawks will launch their 2015-16 regular-season home opener on Wednesday, Oct. 7, with a special red carpet event on Madison Street in front of the United Center from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. Chicago hosts the New York Rangers at the United Center at 7:00 p.m. that evening.

The Blackhawks 2015-16 team will walk the red carpet from Gate 3 ½ to Gate 2 ½ on Madison Street at approximately 4:30 p.m. and will each be introduced before walking down a red carpet and into the United Center’s Gate 2 ½. Comcast SportsNet’s Pat Boyle and Steve Konroyd, along with Blackhawks Community Liaison Jamal Mayers, will host the event, which has attracted thousands of fans each of the last seven seasons. Comcast SportsNet will air coverage of the entire event from 5-6 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet Plus, followed by “Blackhawks Pregame Live.”

The event is free and features appearances by Blackhawks alumni and current players. Madison Street between Damen and Wood will be closed from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to accommodate the event. Parking lots around the United Center will open at 2:00 p.m., while gates will open for the home opener immediately following the player arrival. Fans can visit the Bud Light party lounge located on Madison Street in front of the United Center from 3 p.m. until gates open; a live band and DJ will be on-site to entertain fans, in addition to appearances by Tommy Hawk and the Bud Light Ice Crew. Fans are encouraged to be seated by 6:30 p.m. for the Banner Raising Ceremony. All outside events are weather permitting.

Wednesday’s game will be broadcast nationally on NBCSN and can be heard on WGN Radio AM-720.