Just one month after being re-named the MVP Arena, Albany's downtown sports venue is going to be very busy come the end of January.

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The 8th Annual Mayor's Cup is This Month

On Saturday, January 29th, the 8th Annual Capital District Mayor's Cup will face-off at the MVP Arena in Albany. The day will feature match-ups between the region's two prominent college hockey programs, the Union Dutchmen and RPI Engineers, before replacing the ice with the floor and welcoming the Albany FireWolves back home.

Union goaltender Connor Murphy / Image courtesy of Union Athletic Communications.
Union goaltender Connor Murphy / Image courtesy of Union Athletic Communications.
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The day will begin at 11AM, with the RPI and Union women's programs taking the ice to kick things off. The Engineers' women's team is one of the best stories in Capital Region sports this season. After going 0-33-1 two seasons ago, the Engineers opted out of last season due to COVID-19, and have already won seven games in 2021-22. The Dutchwomen got off to a slow start in their return to play this season, but as of the writing of this post, have won two out of their last three.

The day continues at 2PM, when RPI and Union's men's programs take the ice. Union's men's program come in at 5-10-3 at the time of writing this, while RPI has seen a bit more success, with a record of 9-11-3. Both programs also missed the 2020-21 season.

RPI winning the Mayor's Cup / RPI Athletic Communications
RPI winning the Mayor's Cup / RPI Athletic Communications
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Following the two hockey games, the excitement of the "change-over" begins. What do I mean by this?

This is a different arena, but this is what the MVP Arena will look like Saturday during the early evening...

In a matter of hours, the MVP Arena rink will be covered, and the lacrosse floor will be rolled back out. That is because at 8PM, the Albany FireWolves will play their third home game as a franchise, as they host the Halifax Thunderbirds. The 'Wolves will be coming off of a bye week, and looking to continue the positive momentum they built at home on Saturday, January 8th.


What You Need to Know as a Capital Region Sports Fan

Most importantly, tickets for the Mayor's Cup are on sale...now! Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for kids, and the doors will open at the MVP Arena one hour before puck drop. Masks are required, and here is more from the venue...

"For Mayor's Cup 2022, proof of full vaccination (at least 14 days after final dose) or negative test required. PCR test must be taken within 72 hours of event start, rapid test must be taken within 6 hours of event start."  - MVP Arena

You can visit the MVP Arena website, or the Albany FireWolves official website, for tickets and more information.

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