SUNY Potsdam Holds 22nd Bear Pride Night on Feb. 20
Campus & Community Invited for Free Events, Giveaways & Family Fun at SUNY Potsdam's Bear Pride Night on Feb. 20
Potsdam, NY (02/17/2026) — All are invited to help SUNY Potsdam pack the Maxcy Hall Athletic Complex on Friday, Feb. 20, as the College prepares for its 22nd annual Bear Pride Night.
Once again, through the combined efforts of the Offices of Alumni Relations, Student Life and the Bears' Athletic Department, SUNY Potsdam will invite area alumni, fans and students to cheer on the Bears and take part in fun activities and promotions throughout the evening.
"SUNY Potsdam is fired up to welcome fans from near and far for one of our favorite traditions -- Bear Pride Night! This year's celebration is bigger and bolder than ever, with plenty of activities, giveaways and Potsdam spirit. We invite everyone to gear up in your best 'Bear wear' and meet us at Maxcy, for a night packed with energy, community and pride. We look forward to seeing alumni, students, families and community members, as we cheer on our incredible studentathletes together," said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith.
The event schedule includes:
- 3 p.m.: Women's Hockey vs. Morrisville (Maxcy Ice Arena)
- 4 to 6 p.m.: Community Open Swim (Maxcy Pool)*
- 5:30 p.m.: Women's Basketball vs. Oneonta (Welsh Gymnasium)
- 7 p.m.: Men's Hockey vs. Plattsburgh (Maxcy Ice Arena)
- 7:30 p.m.: Men's Basketball vs. Oneonta (Welsh Gymnasium)
* Please note that all children ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult for the open swim.
SUNY Potsdam would like to thank PACES, Stewart's Shops, Potsdam Subway, Pepsi, Great Northern Printing, Glazed & Confused Donuts, Sergi's and Little Italy for sponsoring and supporting what has become one of the premier winter sports evenings in the North Country. As part of the effort, numerous promotions and giveaways will occur throughout the evening (while supplies last), including:
- Free admission
- Free Bear Pride T-shirts
- Walking tacos (starting at 3 p.m.)
- Stewart's sundaes (starting at 7 p.m.)
- Glazed & Confused "Bear Pride" donuts (starting at 6 p.m.)
- Challenge a Bear and face painting
- DIY Potsdam Bears (starting at 5 p.m., supplies limited)
- Coupons for subs and pizzas
- Chuck-A-Puck
Free admission is available for all fans, including:
- SUNY Potsdam alumni by visiting the Alumni Relations table in the Maxcy Hall lobby.
- All area school district students and families.
- All North country fans and friends.
For information about Bear Pride Night, contact Lauren Bruce at (315) 267-2322 or brucele@potsdam.edu.
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.
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SUNY Potsdam will hold its annual Bear Pride Night on Friday, Feb. 20 in Maxcy Hall.