The Minnesota Wild will host a lunch-time pep rally, and later that evening, a viewing party at Xcel Energy Center for fans to gather and cheer on the team for Game 1 of the First Round of the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Wild will face the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, April 16 at 8:30 p.m. (CT) at Scottrade Center in St. Louis. Fans are encouraged to wear Wild team colors on Thursday and on all future playoff game days.ge

The Wild Pep Rally will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Rice Park in downtown Saint Paul, with a short program at noon featuring Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, former Wild great and FOX Sports North Analyst Wes Walz, and KFAN’s Brandon Mileski, host of “Beyond The Pond” and “Wild Fanline.”

The first 250 fans will receive a free grilled hot dog or hamburger along with chips and a beverage. Thereafter, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and beverages will be available to purchase until 1 p.m. or while supplies last. SuperMom’s Cookies will be provided compliments of 2015 Wild playoff presenting partner SuperAmerica.

In addition to lunch, the pep rally will feature appearances by the FOX Sports North Girls, Wild playoff merchandise and music. In the event of inclement weather, the pep rally will be cancelled.

Thursday evening, the Wild will host a free viewing party of the Wild-Blues playoff game telecast on the new HD LED centerhung videoboard at Xcel Energy Center. Gates 1 and 2 will open at 7:30 p.m. The first 1,000 fans will receive an official playoff rally towel. Fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to benefit Second Harvest Heartland or make a cash donation to benefit the Wild Foundation upon entry. Concessions will be available.