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The stage – or should we say ice – is set for a historic event here in the great Garden State. This weekend, the National Hockey League (NHL) holds the annual Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series event for the first time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

In the Meadowlands, this popular outdoor event (the NHL’s 40th and 41st such games) features matchups between local teams. The New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers square off at 8 p.m. Feb. 17, while the New York Rangers and New York Islanders take the ice at 3 p.m. Feb. 18.

Ahead of the games, things have ramped up over the last week. Action so far includes the installation of the rink, construction of the “NHL Stadium Series Park,” as well as practice sessions from the participating clubs Thursday and Friday.

A slew of activities and activations are planned for fans over the weekend — with a bit of a Jersey flair.

At the top of that list – beyond the games, of course – is a pregame concert Saturday headlined by Jersey’s own Jonas Brothers (starting at 6:30 p.m.) as well as during the the second intermission. Meanwhile, Garden State rockers The Gaslight Anthem will play during the first intermission. The band will also perform their song “Howl” live anytime New Jersey scores during the game. The tune has been the Devils’ goal song since 2015-16.

Indie group AJR will perform during the first intermission of Sunday’s game.

Fun & games

A fan festival is being held each day at Lot G. The “New Amsterdam Vodka NHL PreGame” will include attractions and activities for fans of all ages, including a display of the Stanley Cup for photo opportunities; the NHL’s United by Hockey Mobile Museum; food and drinks; activations; and more. Further information is available here.

Additionally, American Dream will host festivities including an NHL Street experience on both days and an esports tournament on Saturday.

NJ Transit has a special Stadium Series schedule set up, which you can check out here.

This major event comes, of course, on the heels of the recent announcement of MetLife Stadium landing the World Cup 26 Final. As such, the Stadium Series offers a dress rehearsal of sorts, as well as another high-profile opportunity to showcase the Garden State.

The Jersey feels will be in full effect on Saturday — and if you hear “Howl” a bunch, that will mean it was a successful night for the hometeam Devils.

“To have your song played after every time the hometown team scores is such an incredible honor and we can’t wait to play it live when our beloved Devils score in their Stadium Series game,” said Brian Fallon, The Gaslight Anthem lead singer. “For a Jersey band, there’s no greater place to play than MetLife Stadium – we can’t wait!”

NJBIZ will be at the event this weekend. Stay tuned for pictures, a recap, and more coming up.