KENNEWICK, WA - The Tri-City Americans announced today their finalized regular season schedule for the upcoming 2010-11 season, their 23rd season in the Mid-Columbia.

For the third consecutive season, the Americans will start the season at home, as Tri-City will host the arch rival Spokane Chiefs at the Toyota Center on Saturday, Sept. 25. Tri-City will also raise their third straight U.S. Division banner and first Western Conference Championship banner prior to the game.

"We are on the road a lot to start the season but, in return, we have a strong second half in front of our fans," noted Americans' Governor/General Manager Bob Tory. "It's never an easy process but, overall, I feel this year's schedule puts us in position for a good year, both on the business side and the hockey side."

Of the 26 weekend home games, Tri-City will play 12 on Friday, 10 on Saturday and 4 on Sunday.

In division play, the Americans will go head-to-head with the rival Spokane Chiefs 12 times (six home and six away), including 8 match-ups after the Winter Break. Tri-City will also play the Everett Silvertips 10 times while facing off against the Portland Winterhawks and Seattle Thunderbirds 9 times a piece. Tri-City will play the rest of the Western Conference, including Chilliwack, Kamloops, Kelowna, Prince George and Vancouver four times each (two home, two away).

This year's schedule has Tri-City hosting all six Central Division opponents (Calgary, Edmonton, Kootenay, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer) throughout the season. Meanwhile, the Americans' trip through the East Division comes early in the season, as they start in Prince Albert on Tuesday, October 5 and finish with the Swift Current Broncos on Wednesday, October 13.

Home Schedule Highlights:
- 26 weekend home games
- 13 game before the Winter Break, 23 games after
- 22nd Annual New Years Eve game on Friday, Dec. 31 vs. Spokane Chiefs
- 4 Sunday dates featuring an opportunity to skate with the Americans following the game

Game Times:
Monday-Saturday: 7:05 PM
Sundays: 5:05 PM

The finalized schedule can now be found on the Americans' website, www.AmsHockey.com. The complete Western Hockey League schedule can be found on www.whl.ca.

Tickets for individual games are tentatively set to go on sale to the public on Wednesday, September 1st at 10:00 am. Ticket packages for the 2010-11 season are on sale now at the Americans office by contacting an Account Executive at (509) 736-0606.