Graphic: Hershey Bears

The Hershey Bears announced the return of the Capital BlueCross Outdoor Classic in celebration of their 80th anniversary season. The event will take place on January 20, 2018 at the famous Hersheypark Stadium with puck drop at 7:00 PM against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. In this guide, NoVa Caps provides information on all things you need to know if you are planning to attend the outdoor game. 

Alumni Game

The Hershey Bears are partnering with the Philadelphia Flyers Alumni Association to host an alumni game on January 19, 2018 at 7:00 P.M..  Bears confirmed players:

• Greg Amadio
• Dennis Bonvie
• Freddy Cassivi
• Bryan Helmer
• Graham Mink
• Pascal Trepanier
• Dean Arsene
• Dennis Bonvie
• Frederic Cassivi
• Mark Freer
• Bryan Helmer
• Andrew Joudrey
• Boyd Kane
• Nick Kypreos
• Quintin Laing
• Mitch Lamoureaux
• Mark Lofthouse
• Mike McHugh
• Graham Mink
• Vinnie Prospal
• Phil Sauve
• Rob Shearer
• Pascal Trepanier

CoachesTrainers:

• Doug Yingst
• Dave Fenyves
• Dave Parro
• Justin Kullman
• Dan Stuck

A full roster list for both teams can be found here.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Tickets and Seating Map

• Prices start at $59 and include:
• • Free 2018 Hersheypark Pass for One-Day Admission (valid thru July 31, 2018)
  • Admission to the Capital BlueCross Outdoor Classic on Saturday, January 20, 2018
  • Admission to the Capital BlueCross Alumni Game on Friday, January 19, 2018
  • Free Commemorative Capital BlueCross Outdoor Classic Seat Cushion (Select Seating Areas Only)
  • Admission to the Pepsi Fan Fest

There are a variety of ticket packages available here.

Sponsor

Capital BlueCross will be the title sponsor of the 2018 Outdoor Classic. This historic partner also sponsored the 2013 Capital BlueCross Outdoor Classic.

In a press release put out by Hershey Bears Vice President of Hockey Operations Bryan Helmer said, “We’re honored to be working with Capital BlueCross on the 2018 Capital BlueCross Outdoor Classic. They’re a fantastic partner that has always been a big supporter of the Hershey Bears and the Hershey community.” You can read the full release here.

Jerseys

The 2018 Capital BlueCross Outdoor Classic jerseys will be auctioned off after the game and will benefit Red Cross of Central PA, the Central PA Food Bank, and the American Special Hockey Association. The jerseys sport the 80th Anniversary and Outdoor Classic logos on the shoulders and sports the classic “skating bear” logo. Bosack & Co., who designed a majority of Hershey logos, also had a part in designing the Jersey’s.

Be sure to take some time to stop by the Hershey Sports store and pick up your own sublimated jersey before the event. Replicas will also be available for purchase January 20, 2018 at Hersheypark Stadium.

Official release can be found here.

Lehigh Valley Phantoms

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms’ jerseys for the event are inspired by the Color Rush jerseys worn by NFL teams and will be worn in just three games, including a game against the Bears in Allentown, the Outdoor Classic, and for a third and final time on March 31. The jerseys feature orange, which is one the team’s primary colors, and will be complimented by orange pants and orange socks.

Logo

 (2018)

The 2018 Capital BlueCross Outdoor Classic Logo was designed by Joe Bosack & Co. of Pottsville, Pa. He designed a variety of familiar Bears logos such as the current set of team logos, the Bears’ 80th Anniversary Season logo, and the 2013 Capital BlueCross Outdoor Classic logo (see below). The light blue coloration in the 2018 logo represents the title sponsor and the “frigid” temperatures of a classic outdoor contest.

 (2013)

Pepsi Fan Fest

The Pepsi Fan Fest will take place January 19-20, 2018 prior to the game on both Friday and Saturday and is included in the ticket packages. There will be many interactive activities, live entertainment, and special events involving alumni. The iHeartRadio Entertainment Stage will exhibit local musical talents as well as up-and-coming artists.

“The Hershey Bears have a rich tradition and a vast group of impressive alumni,” said Vice President of Hockey Operations Bryan Helmer. “We cannot wait to welcome many of the franchise’s best players back for the 2018 Outdoor Classic Alumni Game. We believe that Pepsi Fan Fest, and the Alumni Game will be great events to kick-start a fantastic weekend in Hershey.”

More information can be found here.

History of AHL Outdoor Classics

The AHL began the tradition of Outdoor games on February 20, 2010 at the New York State Fairgrounds. The Syracuse Crunch hosted the then-Binghamton Senators in front of 21,508 fans, and took the 2-1 victory.

The 2018 Outdoor Classic marks the 10th outdoor classic in AHL history and the third time Hershey participated in an outdoor game, hosting two of their own. The Hershey Bears were honored to participate in the highest-attended Outdoor Classic on January 6, 2012 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The Adirondack Phantoms won a tight 4-3 game in overtime in front of a crowd of 45,653 fans.

The last time Hershey hosted an outdoor contest was January 20, 2013 vs the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The Bears lost 2-1 in overtime in front of 17,311 spectators.

History of Hersheypark Stadium

HersheyPark Stadium opened on May 18, 1939 and is located on the grounds of the equally-famous HersheyPark. The stadium hosts not only sporting events, but also concerts (artists that have performed there include Alabama, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, Ariana Grande, and the Backstreet Boys among many others), political campaigns (it hosted President George W. Bush’s 2004 Presidential campaign stop), and even a birthday party for former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It has also hosted Olympic events, marching band competitions, and music festivals.

Overnight Accommodations

There are multiple great options for out of town fans incuding the The Hotel Hershey^SM with rates from $359. The Hershey Lodge is another great option with rates from $279. Or fans can book the Outdoor Classic Package which is available exclusively at The Hotel Hershey.

The Outdoor Classic Package includes:

• Deluxe accommodations
• Breakfast
• Commemorative blanket
• Transportation to and from the Outdoor Classic
• Admission to Hershey Gardens
• Admission to The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience

You can make reservations here.

There are also commercial options such as Hampton Inn and Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn, among others that provide a relatively cheaper stay.

Directions

Hersheypark Stadium is located at 100 West Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033.

Restaurants and Food

While Hershey may be known as Chocolatetown, there are plenty of great restaurants and eateries in Hershey that fans can enjoy. One of the most famous restaurants is The Bears Den at Hershey Lodge, which is a Bears-themed restaurant that offers a variety of food choices and is located, as the name suggests, at The Hershey Lodge. Prices range from $8.00 to $21.00 and is a popular venue for hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike. More information can be found at the restaurant’s website. Another popular eatery is Funck’s Restaurant, which is located in nearby Palmyra.

By Allison Shuey