The rivalry between the Hershey Bears and in-state rivals Wilkes-Barre/Scranton mirrors the rivalry between the club’s parent teams the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. There is always a lot at stake whenever the Bears and Penguins face off, so make sure to be in attendance when the Penguins come to town.
You won’t want to miss it when the Bears takes on fellow Pennsylvania-based rivals Lehigh Valley. The rivalry between the Bears and Phantoms is an intense one, so don’t miss it when future Capitals take on their current and future division rivals from the Philadelphia Flyers’ AHL affiliate the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Bears Stadium Guide
In Game
The Hershey Bears are the oldest and most successful team in the AHL, having started won a record 11 Calder Cups since starting play in 1932. The Bears long history and success on the ice have built up a strong fan base in the Hershey area that packs the stands for just about every game creating a fun atmosphere inside the Giant Center. The fans here adore this team, so come prepared to get loud and show your support for the Bears when attending a game at the Giant Center.
In addition to incredible fan support, you’ll also find several tributes to former Bears greats around the arena. The Bears Hall of Fame fills the concourse and consists of plaques dedicated to each inductee, making it a must-see for any hockey fan visiting the arena. You also won’t want to miss the photos of the Bears’ 11 Calder Cup winning teams on the concourse or the banners hanging above the ice.
Finally, being that this is Hershey, you’ll find a lot of candy related items on the concourse. The signage in the arena features famous Hershey candies, and you’ll want to stop by the Tweet for a Treat vending machine to get a free candy bar.
The Bears are the most storied team in the history of the AHL, so start planning your trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania today.
Make sure to take a trip around the concourse to see the Bears Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame honors the greatest players in Hershey Bears history, including the franchise’s all-time scoring leader Mike Nykoluk, and is a must-see for any hockey fan.
Around the concourse are photos of all 11 of the Bears’ Calder Cup winning teams. The photos are a can’t-miss part of visiting the arena for any hockey fan, so take some time to check them out.
Check out the banners hanging above the ice, which celebrate the Bears’ 11 Calder Cups and retired numbers. The retired numbers include Bears legends Frank Mathers, Ralph Keller, Mike Nykoluk, Arnie Kullman, Tim Tookey, Willie Marshall, and Mitch Lamoureux and are an excellent way to remember these past greats.
Hershey is famous for its chocolate, and you can receive a free chocolate bar at the Tweet for a Treat vending machine. All you have to do is include the sponsored hashtag, and you’ll get a free candy bar from the machine.
Pick up a souvenir from your trip to see a Bears game at Hershey Sports. The team shop features a wide selection of Bears merchandise including jerseys, hats, sweatshirts, and more.
If you have the opportunity, take a tour of the Giant Center. The tour lets you see what goes on behind the scenes at the arena and takes you to the press area, suites, and elsewhere around the arena.
If you’re lucky enough to attend a game where Puckhead is present, join in his signature “B-e-a-r-s, Bears, Bears, Bears, Woooo!” chant to get pumped up for the game.
Don’t miss the Hershey Bears mascot, Coco, when attending a Bears game. Fans young and old love Coco and his antics, making him a fun part of any Bears game.
