BEARS TO HOST CAPITAL BLUE CROSS AHL OUTDOOR CLASSIC

March 25, 2012

HERSHEY, Pa. – The HERSHEY BEARS, in conjunction with the American Hockey League, announced on Saturday night that the club will host an Outdoor Game to be played at HERSHEYPARK Stadium next winter.  The announcement was made during a pre-game ceremony by BEARS President/GM Doug Yingst.

The game is scheduled for Sunday, January 20, 2013, and will be the marquee event in honoring 75 years of HERSHEY BEARS hockey.  The BEARS will face off against their rival Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins outside in the elements at one of the most recognizable and historic venues in the country.

“In 30 years of my involvement with the HERSHEY BEARS Hockey Club and the HERSHEY community, I’ve had no greater pride than I have now in bringing an American Hockey League Outdoor Game right here to HERSHEY next season,” Yingst said.

American Hockey League President/CEO David Andrews was on hand for the announcement, also addressing the sellout crowd from a podium adorned with the BEARS’ 75th anniversary logo.

“This is a deserving honor for the community of Hershey as you celebrate a milestone season,” Andrews said. “Congratulations in hosting what promises to be a wonderful experience in January, and we’ll see you there.”

Capital BlueCross has also been announced as the proud presenting sponsor of the game.

The contest will be the sixth American Hockey League game played outdoors, and second involving HERSHEY.  The BEARS took on the Adirondack Phantoms in the January 6, 2012 Outdoor Classic at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA, in front of an AHL-record crowd of 45,653.

AHL OUTDOOR GAME HISTORY
DATE  OPPONENTS   VENUE/CITY
Feb. 20, 2010 Syracuse vs. Binghamton New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY
Feb. 19, 2011 Connceticut vs. Providence Rentschler Field, East Hartford, CT
Jan. 6, 2012 Adirondack vs. HERSHEY Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Jan. 21, 2012 Hamilton vs. Toronto  Ivor Wynne Stadium, Hamilton, Ontario
TBA (2012-13) Grand Rapids vs. Toronto Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
Jan. 20, 2013 HERSHEY vs. W-B/Scranton HERSHEYPARK Stadium, Hershey, PA 

HERSHEY BEARS season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets to the Outdoor Game beginning on Monday, June 18.