The Coachella Valley Firebirds will hold their annual Military Appreciation Night at Tuesday evening’s American Hockey League game against the Bakersfield Condors at Acrisure Arena, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Pregame festivities will begin at 5 p.m. for the 6:30 p.m. game, with fans invited to write personal messages of appreciation for active-duty service members and veterans on a large banner, which will be presented to military representatives in attendance as a symbol of gratitude from the Coachella Valley community.
A cake-cutting ceremony, a time-honored Marine Corps tradition, will take place at approximately 5:30 p.m. to mark the anniversary of the Nov. 10, 1775, founding of the Marine Corps, with the oldest and youngest Marines in attendance taking part.
The first 7,500 fans in attendance will receive a military-themed bucket hat.
Game-worn Military Appreciation Night jerseys, along with limited-edition military hats and mystery pucks, will be available through the DASH Auction App. Proceeds will benefit the One Valley Foundation, the Firebirds’ philanthropic arm.