Fans to get unprecedented access to Maple Leafs in weekend fan fest

Posted September 5, 2014 7:09 am.

This article is more than 5 years old.

If you bleed blue and white, this is your weekend.

With just over a month away until a new NHL season, the Toronto Maple Leafs are ramping up the excitement with an all-access fan event.

The inaugural Leafs Nation Fan Fest begins on Friday, with fans to get unprecedented access to the Leafs at the Air Canada Centre (ACC).

Click here for ticket information.

Over the weekend, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., fans will get the opportunity to meet former and current Maple Leafs greats, tour the Leafs dressing room, get their photo taken dropping the puck at centre ice, and more.

The event starts with a town hall with team brass and players on Friday evening, for what’s being called an “insider’s look into the new season.” There will also be a special ceremony honouring legendary Maple Leafs Stanley Cup winners.

Also on Friday, there will be a grand re-opening of the authentic team store, Real Sports Apparel, with a ceremonial ribbon cutting with Phil Kessel and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment executives.

On Saturday, Leaf legend Ted Kennedy will have his statue unveiled in front of the ACC, and fans will find out the next two legends who will be sculpted.

The monument in Maple Leaf Square outside the ACC will take the form of a 30-foot granite bench on which additional statues will be added leading up to the franchise’s 100th anniversary.

The players were chosen by the the Toronto Maple Leafs historical committee, comprised of local industry and hockey experts. The criteria included leadership, on-ice performance and contributions to the community.

Fans will also have the chance to own pieces of official game-worn gear and equipment. Ticket holders for Friday night’s event will get first access to more than 2,000 game-worn items, including Dion Phaneuf’s gloves and helmet.

The Leafs’ regular season starts on Oct. 8 against the Montreal Canadiens at the ACC.

Below is a schedule of events at Leafs Nation Fan Fest:

Friday