ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota Wild is facing off against the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Earlier in the day, Gov. Mark Dayton proclaimed April 16, 2015 as "Go Wild" day.
The Wild hosted a lunch-time pep rally at Rice Park in downtown St. Paul. Fans gathered from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. to celebrate the start of the playoffs.
"We're so excited to be here," said Teri Latterell of St.
Paul Park. Latterell brought her grandchildren to the pep rally. "Brayden's a hockey player. Yeah, they are Wild fans."
Latterell was one of the first 250 fans at the pep rally. They received free hot dogs or hamburgers, along with chips and a beverage.
"It's been great, just seeing the people come out. The support has just been unbelievable here," said Bill Berg, retail marketing coordinator for the Wild.
At noon, Gov. Dayton announced his proclamation. He was joined by Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and former Wild great and FOX Sports North Analyst Wes Walz.
"Oh, I hope they go all the way. All the way. Last round. Seven games," said Duane Olsen of Maplewood.
He went on to say, "I think we'll win in five. Then we go on to beat Chicago. After that, I think probably Anaheim."
Olsen planned to attend the free viewing party at Xcel Energy Center later that night. Gates 1 and 2 will open at 7:30 p.m. The first 1,000 fans will receive an official playoff rally towel.
Even though the viewing party is free, fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for Second Harvest Heartland or a donation to the Wild Foundation.
