Teddy Bear Toss Sells Out At Acrisure: Hockey Fans, Bring Your Bears!

PALM DESERT, CA — The Coachella Valley Firebirds, an affiliate team of the National Hockey League’s Seattle Kraken, expect a sold-out crowd for Saturday’s Ugly Sweater and Teddy Bear Toss Night.

The Acrisure Plaza opens at 4:30 p.m., and puck drop will be at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The event, presented by 1 Million Strong, features a special holiday-themed Head Coach Dan Bylsma Bobblehead giveaway. Fans can also take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, send letters to Santa, listen to music, play games, and more! Still, fans can give back by bringing a teddy bear.

"Fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears and other stuffed animals for the second annual Teddy Bear Toss event," a spokesperson for Acrisure said.

Fans will be asked to throw stuffed animals on the ice after the first Firebirds’ goal during Saturday night’s game against the Bakersfield Condors.

NOTE: Any item thrown on the ice will NOT be returned.

All stuffed animals will be collected and distributed locally to the 29 Palms Military Base, California Highway Patrol, and Riverside County Sheriff's Department offices across the Coachella Valley and local Police and Fire Departments for use when responding to calls involving children.

Fans can drop off or donate large quantities of stuffed animals before the game at the Christmas Tree on the Plaza at Acrisure Arena on Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Please note that these bags will no longer be accessible once dropped off.

Fans who would like to bring large amounts of bears or stuffed animals for game time must have them stored in clear bags with no hard objects attached to or in the bags. Please note that all bags must be searched by security at the gates, which may cause delays in entering the venue.

When you go, parking will be extremely limited in all parking lots at the arena, organizers say.

Overflow parking will be available at Xavier High School, with shuttles provided to and from Acrisure Arena beginning at 4 p.m.

Last Call for Firebirds Holiday Plans! Get your Holiday Plans by Saturday, December 23, to access this limited-time special offer featuring four games this season.

Group, Flex, and Individual tickets for the Firebirds’ 2023-24 season are on sale now. For more information on 2023-24 season ticket packages, click HERE or call 760-835-8778.