It's sure to be an extra special occasion when Jim Cornelison sings the national anthem before the Mallards' game Friday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Evansville IceMen.

Cornelison is renowned for his performances of the The Star Spangled Banner before Chicago-area sporting events-  including hockey games. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for Friday evening's game to be sure of enjoying what is certain to be a stirring moment:

Cornelison is an accomplished opera singer who has performed with the likes of Placido Domingo and Zubin Mehta and has sung with opera companies around the world. 

Cornelison will raise the curtain on a potentially vital division game for the Mallards who are in the midst of a tight race for a playoff spot in the ECHL’s Western Conference.

Next Friday’s game will also bring the return of $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X and MetroLINK College Night. Metro provides transit service between Augustana College and downtown Moline for all Friday home dates. As part of Metro’s unlimited ride program, Augustana riders can use their Augustana ID as their fare.

The Mallards have instituted reduced “Playoff Push” pricing for prime sections and made additional $10 tickets available for all remaining home games. Fans can now purchase seats in four center ice sections- 103, 104, 114 and 115- for just $24- down from $28- or get four tickets in those areas for the family-friendly price of $80. The Mallards have also increased the number $10 upper level tickets available for the remainder of the regular season.

Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season home games- including next Friday’s contest- are on sale now at the iWireless Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000. The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available for $10, $16, $20 and $24.