Guaranteed $30,000 50-50 raffle pot for 'Tux and Pucks'

Grand pot of at least $30,000, three additional drawings of $2,016

The Buffalo Sabres have announced plans to hold four 50-50 raffle drawings during the team's game Thursday, Dec. 31, against the New York Islanders at First Niagara Center. The grand-prize drawing will have a guaranteed minimum pot of $30,000, with the winner of the drawing guaranteed at least $15,000. There will also be three other drawings each with a guaranteed prize of $2,016.

The game, which begins at 6 p.m., also marks the return of "Tux and Pucks," a popular New Year's Eve event with Sabres fans who dress up in formalwear as they ring in the new year at the arena.

Raffle tickets will be sold beginning two hours before the start of the game through the end of the second period intermission. The winning numbers - determined through a random drawing out of the pool of purchased tickets for that game - will be announced during the third period. The winning numbers will also be posted on www.Sabres.com for a period of 15 calendar days after Thursday's game. A complete list of contest rules and restrictions can also be found at Sabres.com.

Proceeds from the 50-50 raffles at all Sabres and Buffalo Bandits home games benefit the Buffalo Sabres Foundation.

Tickets are still available for Thursday's game and can be purchased by calling 1-888-223-6000 or by visiting www.sabres.com.