RUSH INVITE COUNTRY STAR ANDY GRIGGS TO SING NATIONAL ANTHEM DURING WEDNESDAY’S MATCH UP AGAINST ROCKY MOUNTAIN RAGE

In addition to country singer Andy Griggs, many local artists have been selected to perform the National Anthem during at least one Rush home game.

Rush hosted a National Anthem Contest throughout the month of October inviting local artists to submit their entries online for a chance to be chosen to perform at one of the 32 Rush home games throughout the Inaugural Season. Approximately 20 acts appeared for the LIVE auditions on November 3rd in the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena. The finalists were primarily chosen from entries submitted online through a radio contest hosted by Max 106.3 FM and Q92.3 FM. The contest was open to all ages and entries could be vocal or instrumental, solos, duets or group.

“The response we received from the public surpassed our expectations,” said Marketing and Public Relations Director Darcy Zandstra. “We were blown away by the numbers that showed up for the live auditions and more so by the surplus of talent. It was very hard to make the final selections.”

In an effort to build off this excitement, Rush management decided to bring in celebrity artist Andy Griggs to perform the National Anthem for their home game Wednesday against Rocky Mountain Rage. In addition, Griggs will be performing a few of his hits center ice during the game’s first intermission.

Arriving in Nashville with guitar in hand in 1994, Griggs quickly made a name for himself on the country scene. Signing with RCA, he recorded his debut album, YOU WON’T EVER BE LONELY, and racked up two top 10 hits with the title tune “I’ll Go Crazy.” Soon after, his single “She’s More” became his third consecutive top 10. The album also included a duet with one his heroes, “Shine on Me,” with Waylon Jennings, as well as a scorching rendition of Rodney Crowell’s “Ain’t Livin’ Long Like This.” YOU WON’T EVER BE LONELY was certified Gold in 2000.

Rush will be hosting a private Meet and Greet at 3:30 pm Wednesday with Andy Griggs and the lucky on-air contestants that won the opportunity to play a round of Texas Hold ‘Em with Griggs. The poker game begins at 4 pm and will take place outside the new ice arena.

Each of the eight poker finalists will receive a prize pack from Eagle Country and Rapid City Rush. Prizes will be awarded to those that take the top three positions. First place is a signed jersey, second place is a signed hockey stick and third place is four tickets to a Rush home game of their choice.

Griggs will be available for an autograph session after the game along with the entire Rapid City Rush hockey team. Wrangler is providing team posters for the first 3000 fans and the team will be hosting an autograph session immediately following Wednesday’s game.