Blackhawks Roll Out Red Carpet For Season Opener

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(CBS) -- The Blackhawks open their season Wednesday night against the New York Rangers at the United Center, and they got the new campaign underway with their annual red carpet walk.

Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and all the guys walked the long red carpet to enter the United Center.

They walked past fans who waited hours just to get a glimpse of their favorite players up close. It's a fun event for fans.

"I drove all the way from Des Moines, Iowa," Jeff Goemann said. "We've never done the red carpet before. It's the first time, so it will be real cool seeing the players up close."

"It gives us a personal touch," added Pat Hall, from Joliet. "I think they are very people and family oriented."

Part of the reason fans are here so early? The Stanley Cup banner raising at 6:30 p.m. The banner was made at WGN Flag & Decorating in the South Chicago neighborhood.

The owner personally delivered the banner two weeks ago. We're told if you wanted to buy a banner of this size and detail, it would be anywhere from $15,000-$20,000.

The Blackhawks will be helping out Cubs fans too. The Cubs-Pirates wild-card game will be on in all concourse bars and on the jumbotron -- time permitting -- during intermissions. Score updates will be read over the PA system during commercial breaks.