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SUNY Potsdam Gears Up for 21st Annual Bear Pride Night

Campus and Community Invited for Free Events, Giveaways and Family Fun at SUNY Potsdam's Bear Pride Night on Feb. 21

Potsdam, NY (02/14/2025) — SUNY Potsdam is looking to pack the Maxcy Hall Athletic Complex on Friday, Feb. 21, as the College gears up for its 21st 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.

"We couldn't be more excited to welcome everyone to campus to celebrate the biggest winter sports night of the year for our Potsdam Bears -- Bear Pride night! There will be a lot of activities and giveaways, so put on your Bear Wear and join us in Maxcy for a fun-filled night together. We hope to see lots of alumni, students, families and friends there for a fun evening celebrating our student athletes," said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith.

The event schedule includes:

  • 3 p.m.: Women's Hockey vs. Buffalo State (Maxcy Ice Arena)
  • 4 to 6 p.m.: Community Open Swim (Maxcy Pool)*
  • 5:30 p.m.: Women's Basketball vs. Fredonia (Welsh Gymnasium)
  • 7 p.m.: Men's Hockey vs. Plattsburgh (Maxcy Ice Arena)
  • 7:30 p.m.: Men's Basketball vs. Fredonia (Welsh Gymnasium)

* Please note that all children age 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult for the open swim.

PACES, Potsdam Subway, Great Northern Printing, Stewart's Shops, Sergi's, Pepsi and Little Italy will team up with the Bears in sponsoring 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, including:

  • Free Bear Pride T-shirts
  • A "walking tacos" station
  • Stewart's Shops sundaes
  • Max C. Bear "lookalike" contest
  • $500 raffle drawing
  • DIY Potsdam Bears (supplies are 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. Bear alums can reconnect with friends in the hospitality room during the games as well.
  • 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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Media Attachments

SUNY Potsdam will mark its 21st Bear Pride Night with free events, giveaways and family-friendly fun, including a community open swim, along with men’s and women’s basketball and hockey games, on Friday, Feb. 21.

The SUNY Potsdam Bears Women's Basketball Team will take on Fredonia as part of Bear Pride Night, at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, in the Maxcy Hall Athletic Complex.

The SUNY Potsdam Bears Men's Hockey Team will take on Plattsburgh as part of Bear Pride Night, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, in the Maxcy Hall Athletic Complex.

Bear Pride Night at SUNY Potsdam will feature free activities and giveaways for fans of all ages, on Friday, Feb. 21, at Maxcy Hall.

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