Air Force to be focus of Solar Bears 2017-18 Military Appreciation Night jersey

Air Force had largest representation at Jan. 21 Military Appreciation Night game

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have announced that the United States Air Force has been selected as the basis for the design of the team’s 2017-18 Military Appreciation Night jersey, after the team and USO of Central Florida partnered together to encourage competition amongst all five branches of the United States Military.

Members and supporters of each branch of the U.S. Military could purchase discounted tickets for last Saturday’s Military Appreciation Night game on Jan. 21 against the Florida Everblades via special links on the Solar Bears website. The Air Force had the largest representation at Saturday’s game, as the Solar Bears welcomed its second-most attended crowd of the season, with 8,140 fans making their way through the doors of the Amway Center.

Top-ranking officers from each branch of the military were honored prior to the game, and the Solar Bears recognized active and veteran military personnel in attendance throughout the evening.

“We’re pleased to see the U.S. Air Force be selected as the winner of the jersey contest for next season’s Military Appreciation Night,” USO Central Florida Chairman Charlie Rogers said. “The Solar Bears have been a valuable partner in helping keep our service members in the Central Florida community connected to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation.”

The date, opponent and final jersey design for the Solar Bears 2017-18 Military Appreciation Night game will be announced at a later date.

The Orlando Solar Bears continue their fifth season of ECHL hockey when they host the back-to-back defending Kelly Cup champion Allen Americans at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m.

Thursday’s game is also a Thirsty Thursday, presented by Ferg’s Depot on Church Street – fans can take advantage of $2 Coors Light drafts before and after Thursday’s game, along with food specials at Ferg’s Depot on Church Street. Fans can purchase discounted game tickets for as low as $14 at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/fergs. If Orlando scores the first goal of the game, fans can bring their tickets to Ferg’s after the game to receive a free special Solar Bears appetizer with the purchase of a beverage.

During Thursday’s game, fans can also enjoy $5 domestic draft beers throughout the Amway Center.

Single-game tickets are now on sale at the Amway Center box office and ticketmaster.com. Full and half-season ticket plans are now available by visiting OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.

The Solar Bears have released a brand-new mobile app, presented by BB&T, giving Solar Bears fans everything they need right in their pocket. The app is also home to the brand-new Loyalty & Rewards Program, which provides Solar Bears fans with opportunities to accumulate points and redeem them for exclusive prizes. The new app is FREE and available for both iOS and Android devices.

The Orlando Solar Bears are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL’s Toronto Marlies, and play all of their home games at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center, the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year.

Follow the Solar Bears at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook, and Twitter (@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates. Stay in touch with Shades on Instagram by following SolarBearsHockey.

Season tickets, Corporate Flex vouchers, and Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on all of the Solar Bears ticket packages, call (407) 951-8200 or visit orlandosolarbearshockey.com/groups.

Officially licensed Orlando Solar Bears replica team jerseys, apparel, and headwear can be purchased online at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/shop.