For the Reporter

The Seattle Thunderbirds have released their 2016-17 regular-season schedule.

The defending Western Conference champions open the Western Hockey League slate at the rival Portland Winterhawks at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, in the Moda Center. The T-Birds’ home opener is 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, against the Winterhawks at the ShoWare Center.

The regular season includes 13 home games on a Friday, 11 home games on a Saturday, eight home games on a Tuesday and four home games on a Sunday. All eight Tuesday games will feature 2-for-1 tickets, 2-for-1 beers and $2 concession specials on hot dogs, popcorn and soda.

The T-Birds will take on the Winterhawks six times at the ShoWare Center, with four of the games on a Saturday and two games on a Friday.

The T-Birds make their six-game Eastern Conference swing Oct. 28 to Nov. 5, visiting the Swift Current Broncos, Regina Pats, Saskatoon Blades, Prince Albert Raiders, Brandon Wheat Kings and Moose Jaw Warriors.

Seattle makes its way to Portland for the annual New Year’s Eve game against the Winterhawks at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31.

Tickets, promotions

Thursday is the deadline to receive two free tickets for the home opener. Fans who purchase a 24-Flex Ticket Package before the deadline will receive two free tickets to the game. For more information, or to order the package, call the T-Birds at 253-239-7825.

Single-game tickets for the regular season go on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, online on the T-Birds website and at the ShoWare Center box office.

Season tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling the T-Birds office at 253-239-7825.

All games in 2016-17 will be broadcast on 1090 The Fan and streamed live on the website of 1090 The Fan.

Download the T-Birds’ 2016-17 schedule PDF.