FAQ's and Info for the 2026 GIANT Teddy Bear Toss

December 29, 2025

Our GIANT Teddy Bear Toss is set for Sunday, January 4 at 3 pm, and we've got all the info you need to know for this can't-miss event.

What is the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss?

Get ready for the fur to fly! On Sunday, Jan. 4, the GIANT Center, the home of the legendary 13-time Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears, will see a storm of "Sweet Cuddly Mayhem!" during that afternoon's game versus the Rockford IceHogs.

The puck drops at 3 p.m., but the real show starts when the Bears score their first goal. That's the signal for the world-famous GIANT Teddy Bear Toss, where fans create an avalanche of stuffed animals on the ice.

As the reigning hockey world record holders, having collected a staggering 102,343 animals in 2025, the Bears are looking to add to their massive total of 566,450 donations since 2001. The event has been covered by media outlets across the globe and is truly an event you'll want to experience in person. 

How can I get tickets?

This is our most popular promotional night of the year, and there are very limited remaining tickets for this contest, so make sure to purchase yours today. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE GAME.
 

Who does the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss benefit?

As part of the club's Hershey Bears Cares initiative, which showcases the philanthropic activities and volunteer efforts of Bears players and staff members throughout the community, teddy bears and stuffed animals are collected and donated to more than 60 local and regional organizations, including Harrisburg School District, Gigi's Playhouse Lancaster, Bethesda Mission, LaMancha Animal Rescue, Hospice of Central PA, Lancaster County Food Hub, Milton and Catherine Hershey Schools, and Elizabethtown Fire Department. 

For the past decade, the Sweigart Family Foundation of Lancaster County has made the Teddy Bear Toss even more impactful by donating $1 to Children's Miracle Network at Golisano Children's Hospital for every animal thrown on the ice. This year, The GIANT Company is stepping in to honor the late Jeff Sweigart, a devoted Bears fan and longtime season ticket holder, to keep his passion alive. The GIANT Company has pledged a $100,000 donation to the hospital if fans can surpass last year's total number of collected bears.

How do I help donate teddy bears for the game?

When the Bears score that first goal, launch your stuffed animals onto the ice! Seeing tens of thousands of animals rain down is a spectacle you won't want to miss.

Bringing a mountain of bears? While we want to see as many flying bears as possible, if you have more than you can carry to your seat, please visit the collection truck outside GIANT Center between 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.

To ensure every single donation is counted toward our total, there will be no collection bins on the concourse. All stuffed animals must either be thrown onto the ice or be dropped off at the outdoor truck.

How many teddy bears and stuffed animals can I bring?

There is no limit on how many teddy bears you can bring. The more the merrier as each donation helps a child in need.

Are trash bags full of teddy bears allowed?

While the GIANT Center has a bag policy, a special exception is made for this event, specifically for trash bags full of teddy bears. Fans are asked to use clear trash bags to assist with the security process. All trash bags full of teddy bears are subject to security check and our normal bag policy and security procedures remain in effect. 

What happens if the Bears have not scored a goal during the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss? 

We are fully planning on a goal triggering the "Sweet Cuddly Mayhem," but if Hershey has not scored by the end of the second period, the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss will happen during the second intermission. If that were to occur, please wait for the announcement in the arena for instructions on when to throw your items.

I cannot attend the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss. What are my options to participate?

Unfortunately, we can only accept donations on the day of the game, Sunday, Jan. 4. from 12 - 3 p.m., outside of GIANT Center. Items can be dropped off with our staff members at a collection truck. Non-ticketed guests are welcome to participate in this, but please note that a parking fee will be required to enter the complex. 

I cannot attend the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss, but would love to follow along. How can I do so? 

Follow along on Hershey Bears' social media channels with hashtag #TeddyBearTossHershey and #HersheyBearsCares. Sunday's game will be broadcast in partnership with FOX43. The game will air on Antenna TV, WPMT 43.2, which can be found on Comcast 247, Verizon Fios 463, Blue Ridge Ephrata 91, and Blue Ridge Newberry/Duncannon 88. The game may also be heard across the GIANT Bears Radio Network and viewed on AHLTV on FloHockey.