The deep history of hockey in Hershey began long before the iconic Hershey Bears took the ice. On February 18, 1931, the first formal hockey game was played in the modest Hershey Ice Palace between Villanova University and the Penn Athletic Club. The Ice Palace, with a seating capacity of around 1,500, quickly proved too small for the burgeoning interest, resulting in hundreds of fans being turned away at the door.

     This response caught the attention of town founder Milton S. Hershey, a staunch supporter of ice hockey. In 1932, Hershey founded the amateur Hershey Hockey Club, establishing the team initially known as the Hershey B'ars. Recognizing the need for a venue that could match the growing fan base, Hershey personally financed the Hershey Sports Arena in 1936. This was no ordinary construction project. Employing local workers, Mr. Hershey engaged D. Paul Witmer, his architect, and German design engineer Anton Tedesko, a pioneer in thin-shelled concrete structures, to bring the vision to life. When completed on December 19, 1936, the Hershey Sports Arena was a marvel, boasting the largest concrete structure in North America and a seating capacity of 7,200 people. This number was particularly staggering considering the town's population was barely half that size, a testament to Milton Hershey’s belief in the future of the sport.

     The team received a new home and a new identity to match. In the 1936-1937 season, the amateur Hershey B'ars became the professional Hershey Bears. Following the arena’s completion, the team stepped up in competition, officially joining the prestigious American Hockey League (AHL) for the 1938-1939 season. Their first game as AHL contenders was played on November 5, 1938, marking the true beginning of the Bears’ legendary run.

     For the next six decades, The Hershey Sports Arena served as the beloved home of the Bears, a hub for triumphs and continued growth. As of 2025, the Bears boast 13 Calder Cup victories, solidifying their status as the most successful franchise in the league's history.

     Beyond hockey, the colossal concrete edifice hosted an astonishing array of entertainment, ranging from the Ice Capades and the World Wrestling Federation to concerts featuring legends like Frank Sinatra, Liberace, and Metallica. The Sports Arena was a versatile anchor of the community, creating cherished memories for generations of residents who grew up attending Bears' games and major events there.

     The Bears played in the arena until 2002, when they moved next door to the larger, more modern Hershey Giant Center. However, the original Sports Arena remains a vibrant piece of the town's cultural heart. It still occasionally hosts the team’s practices, as well as youth (Hershey Cubs) and college hockey, ensuring the grand concrete monument continues its life as a testament to Milton Hershey's vision and the enduring power of sports in this unique Pennsylvania town.