The San Jose Sharks have announced two upcoming appreciation games to honor healthcare workers and first responders in the Bay Area. The Healthcare Heroes Game, sponsored by Gurnick Academy, will take place on Thursday, December 18, while the First Responders Appreciation Game, presented by Royal Ambulance, is scheduled for Saturday, January 10. Both events will be held at SAP Center at San Jose.
During the Healthcare Heroes Game against the Dallas Stars on December 18, the team will recognize doctors, nurses, technicians, support staff, and others who contribute to community health. Special ticket offers are available for healthcare workers and their families and include a Healthcare Heroes insulated lunch bag. The event will feature activities such as a friendship bracelet-making station on the concourse at section 127 and Sharks logo variations created by Local Color artist Steven “nizzotes” Rubalcaba. Buttons celebrating healthcare heroes can be picked up at information desks throughout the arena.
Additionally, Gift Of Life will conduct bone marrow registry swabbing at the north entrance to help find matches for curing blood-borne diseases. A specialty jersey auction benefiting the Veterinary Care Foundation will run from noon on December 17 through noon on December 19.
The First Responders Appreciation Game takes place on January 10 in another matchup against the Dallas Stars. This game celebrates police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, and rescue workers across the region. Every attendee will receive a First Responder Appreciation Zamboni Plushie designed to represent ambulance, fire truck, and police car vehicles.
Special appreciation packages are available for fans; these include challenge coins or VIP options with themed hoodies exclusive to online buyers. Five dollars from each group ticket sold will benefit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
A free “Touch A Truck” community event is set for January 10 before doors open at SAP Center. Taking place outside on Barack Obama Blvd from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., it features interactive emergency vehicles from local agencies such as SJPD and SJFD alongside games and meet-and-greets with first responders and mascot S.J. Sharkie.
Inside SAP Center during both games there will be special programming including unique Sharks logo designs by Local Color artists and firefighter Veasna Moth; limited-edition merchandise; performances by groups like SJ Emerald Society Bagpipe Band; appearances by Royal Ambulance team members; buttons honoring first responders; an auction supporting San Jose Firefighters Burn Foundation; and ceremonial honors involving local officials such as Police Chief Paul Joseph.
Fans can also watch a post-game scrimmage between San Jose Fire Department and San Francisco Fire Department after the January game with admission included in their paid ticket.
For more details or tickets visit sjsharks.com.
