Hershey Park Arena and Giant Center are two distinct venues in Hershey, Pennsylvania, both managed by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company. While they share a location in the same town and have both hosted the Hershey Bears hockey team, they are separate facilities with different histories, capacities, and current uses. This article will explore the differences and similarities between these two iconic Hershey venues.
What Are the Key Differences Between Hershey Park Arena and Giant Center?
- Establishment and Age
- Hershey Park Arena: Established in 1936
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Giant Center: Opened in 2002
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Seating Capacity
- Hershey Park Arena: 7,286 for hockey (over 8,000 with standing room)
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Giant Center: 10,500 seats
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Current Primary Use
- Hershey Park Arena: Youth hockey, public skating, smaller events
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Giant Center: Home of Hershey Bears, major concerts, large-scale events
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Historical Significance
- Hershey Park Arena: Once the largest monolithic structure in the US
- Giant Center: Modern multi-purpose arena designed for versatility
How Has the Role of Hershey Park Arena Evolved Over Time?
Hershey Park Arena has undergone significant changes since its inception:
- 1936-2002: Home of the Hershey Bears professional hockey team
- Post-2002: Transition to hosting smaller events and community activities
- 2012: Suffered a roof fire, leading to renovations
- Current Uses:
- Lebanon Valley College Flying Dutchmen ice hockey
- Hershey Junior Bears youth team
- Public ice skating sessions
- Hershey Cubs of the USPHL Premier league (since 2021)
- Annual Music in the Parks competition
What Major Events Does Giant Center Host?
Giant Center has become the premier event venue in Hershey, hosting:
- Sports:
- Hershey Bears home games
- Wrestling events
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Basketball tournaments
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Entertainment:
- Concerts (e.g., Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
- Comedy shows (e.g., Jeff Dunham)
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Family events (e.g., Disney On Ice)
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Special Events:
- Harlem Globetrotters tours
- Graduations
- Trade shows
How Do the Locations and Accessibility Compare?
| Feature | Hershey Park Arena | Giant Center |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 100 Hersheypark Drive | 550 Hersheypark Drive |
| Proximity to Attractions | Near Hersheypark and Chocolate World | Adjacent to Hersheypark and Chocolate World |
| Parking | Limited | 10,000 spaces |
| Accessibility | Offers accessible parking and facilities | Features accessible parking and modern amenities |
Both venues are located in close proximity to Hershey’s main attractions, but Giant Center offers more extensive parking and modern accessibility features.
What Amenities Are Available at Each Venue?
Hershey Park Arena:
- Public ice skating sessions
- Home to several local hockey teams
- Historical significance and charm
Giant Center:
- Multiple merchandise locations
- Hershey Sports official store (temporarily closed)
- Modern concessions and facilities
- Versatile space for various event types
How Has the Transition from Hershey Park Arena to Giant Center Affected the Community?
The transition from Hershey Park Arena to Giant Center as the primary large-scale venue has had several impacts:
- Increased Capacity: Giant Center can accommodate larger crowds, attracting bigger events.
- Economic Impact: Larger events at Giant Center potentially bring more visitors and revenue to Hershey.
- Preservation of History: Hershey Park Arena continues to serve the community in a different capacity, preserving its historical significance.
- Modernization: Giant Center offers updated facilities and technology for a better visitor experience.
What Future Plans Exist for Both Venues?
While specific long-term plans may not be publicly available, we can infer some potential directions:
- Hershey Park Arena:
- Continued focus on community events and youth sports
- Potential for historical preservation efforts
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Possible renovations to maintain the facility
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Giant Center:
- Ongoing attraction of major events and concerts
- Potential technology upgrades to enhance visitor experience
- Continued partnership with the Hershey Bears and other regular events
In conclusion, while Hershey Park Arena and Giant Center share a location in Hershey and a connection to the town’s sports and entertainment history, they are distinct venues with different purposes in the modern era. Hershey Park Arena continues to serve the community with its rich history and focus on local events, while Giant Center has taken on the role of the area’s premier large-scale event venue.