Hersheypark Arena
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hersheypark Arena, is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Built in 1936, it was originally known as the Hershey Sports Arena. The arena has a seating capacity for hockey of 7,286 people, and in excess of 8,000 including standing room.[1]
It was primarily home to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League, who moved to the GIANT Center in 2002. The Arena also played host to some National Hockey League exhibition games, and hosted 18 Calder Cup finals, and three American Hockey League All-Star games.
The second sport at the Hersheypark Arena was basketball. On March 2, 1962, Philadelphia Warriors center Wilt Chamberlain recorded a record-setting 100 points in a NBA game against the New York Knicks at the Hersheypark Arena.
It hosted the PIAA basketball and wrestling championships, and it also served as the home of the Hershey Impact, a National Professional Soccer League team from 1988-1991.
Notable concerts held at the Hersheypark Arena include Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel, Johnny Cash, Phish, Elton John and Liberace. It has also hosted the Ice Capades, Disney on Ice, professional boxing, tennis competitions, and the fifth WWF In Your House pay-per-view in 1995.
On October 13, 1953, the Arena also hosted an extravagant birthday celebration for then President Dwight D. Eisenhower whose farm and "weekend White House" was located in nearby Gettysburg.
