It’s the calm before the storm (if you will) at Erie Insurance Arena as the Erie Otters get ready to kick off the season at home Saturday night.

Behind the scenes preperations have been ongoing for weeks – from bringing merchandise into the arena, to preparing menus and food, to getting the mechanics of the new scoreboard down – everyone at the arena has been hard at work.

Aside from the excitement around the game itself, there’s another big reveal at the arena for the upcoming season.

The $1.2 million high definition scoreboard will be used for the first time during the Otters Saturday home opener.

The board is 8-foot-high and 15-foot-wide with state-of-the-art video capabilities.

Ed Snyder has been putting the finishing touches on the graphics for the scoreboard reveal.

Before the game, the  Otters are hosting the 5th Annual Otter’s Home Opener Party at the corner of 9th and French Streets.

Fans can enjoy free beer, soda and live music from Stephen Trohoske Bass Guitarist.

The party starts at 4pm with the puck drop set for 7pm.

If you’re looking to buy tickets to the game, visit http://www.erieevents.com.