Everything You Need to Know About Opening Night

October 13, 2023

The Hershey Bears start their defense of the Calder Cup this Saturday, October 14 with Opening Night versus the Belleville Senators at 7 pm, and here's everything you need to know ahead of a historic night in Hershey Bears history.

SHOP & EAT AT GIANT CENTER EARLY

• Unfortunately, due to heavy rain on Saturday, the club's Home Opener Red Carpet Event presented by Members 1st has been cancelled. However, the GIANT Center will now open 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. for merchandise purchases with exclusive Calder Cup Championship merchandise located on the concourse, and the Hershey Sports Team Store featuring new gear for the 2023-24 season. The Yiannis Gyros food truck will be out front of the GIANT Center starting at 2:30 p.m. for those looking to grab a bite to eat.

MEMBERS 1ST CALDER CUP CHAMPIONS MINI BANNER GIVEAWAY

• The club's record 12th Calder Cup banner goes up to the rafters on Saturday, and upon entrance to GIANT Center, the first 10,000 fans will receive a replica Calder Cup Mini Banner, courtesy of Members 1st Federal Credit Union 

MUSIC AND GAMES

• Pre-game fun starts when the doors open at 5:15 p.m. for Season Ticket Holders and 5:30 p.m. for all fans. Local musician Jason Carst will be playing until 6:45 p.m. on the concourse and then during the first intermission. A Kids Zone featuring face painters, sign making, and selfie camera will be on the concourse until 7 p.m.

12X CALDER CUP CHAMPIONS WARM UP JERSEYS

• The players will be wearing sublimated 12X Calder Cup Champions warm up jerseys prior to the game on Saturday, that will be auctioned off following the club's game on Oct. 15. Read more on our specialty jerseys for the 2023-24 season here. 

BANNER RAISING AND RING CEREMONY

• The Calder Cup Banner Raising Ceremony takes place prior to the game, and fans are asked to be in their seats by no later than 6:40 p.m. for the special pre-game ceremony. In addition to the Banner Raising Ceremony, returning players and staff members will also receive their 2023 Calder Cup rings on the ice pregame

1980 CALDER CUP CHAMPS ALUMNI

• Members of the 1980 Calder Cup Championship team will be signing autographs on the concourse during the first intermission at the Hershey Bears Hall of Fame Wall located at section 117

CALDER CUP CHAMPS MERCHANDISE 

• Championship gear will be available for purchase throughout the evening at their merchandise location outside of section 124 

BEAR CLAW PALE LAGER

• Stop by any location at GIANT Center where canned beverages are sold and try out the all-new Bear Claw Pale Lager! A limited-time release with Ever Grain Brewing Company, fans can only get this beer at GIANT Center, The Chocolatier, and the Bears' Den. Read more on the collaboration here. 

Limited tickets remain for Saturday's game and may be purchased online via Ticketmaster. 

Please note: Due to preparations for Opening Night, our Morning Skate on Saturday, October 14 will be closed to the public.