An annual fan-favorite Rockford IceHogs theme night is returning to the BMO Center on Saturday, Nov. 7 when the IceHogs host the Grand Rapids Griffins on Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) Night at 7 p.m. 

Highlights of this year’s event include the fourth in the series of Hammy Sugar Skull bobbleheads that will be handed out to the first 3,000 fans, and the IceHogs players will wear Day of the Dead specialty jerseys for the third year in a row for this event. 

The jerseys, unveiled today, designed by Exclusive Pro Sports in Rockford, feature a new IceHogs “Los Cerdos” logo on the crest with colorful floral stripes on the arm sleeves of the jersey that accent the crest. The Hammy Sugar Skull logo and the jersey are highlighted by bright, vibrant colors and flowers commonly associated with Day of the Dead along with imagery associated with the traditional Mexican holiday.  

Over the last two seasons, the Day of the Dead jersey auction has allowed the IceHogs Community Fund to donate $10,000 to Rock Valley College’s Association of Latin American Students and $10,000 to La Onda, and this year’s auction will also help benefit those two organizations. 

"The generous donations from the Rockford IceHogs to the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) has made a meaningful impact on our students, helping support their educational journeys and encouraging them to persevere in achieving their goals,” said Mara Lopez, RVC ALAS Advisor. “Many of our students have limited financial resources, and these funds help ease some of the financial burdens they may face while pursuing their education.”

“The support the Rockford IceHogs have provided La Onda over the past two years has had an impact far beyond the dollars themselves,” said Paty Chavez, La Onda Board Chair. “It has helped us create opportunities for local small businesses and entrepreneurs, celebrate our Latino culture, and bring thousands of people together in spaces that are welcoming, free, and accessible to everyone. These dollars have helped turn ideas into meaningful experiences—and, most importantly, they have helped us build connection, pride, and opportunity in our community.”

Other aspects of Day of the Dead Night will include a pregame performance on the concourse by Mariachi Lira de Rockford, intermission performances by Ballet Folklórico Colibri Alma de Mexico and NIU Ballet Folklórico Aztlán, a Day of the Dead altar on the concourse presented by RVC ALAS, free sugar skull face painting by Viiperi Boutique & Facepaint, and a Spanish speaking public address announcer. 

“Our Day of the Dead Night has evolved into a fan-favorite and has introduced the IceHogs experience to a whole new group of fans, making this annually one of our biggest and most successful nights each season,” said Dave Costello, IceHogs Director of Marketing and Community Relations. “More importantly, this celebration of Hispanic culture has helped us raise money for local non-profits like RVC ALAS and La Onda to help them make a positive impact on our community.” 

Tickets for Day of the Dead Night can be purchased now on Ticketmaster!

About IceHogs Community Fund 

The IceHogs Community Fund (ICF) is invested in making a positive social impact by supporting initiatives that will help make the Rockford region a better place to work, live, and play. Through the generosity of IceHogs fans, the ICF raises money primarily through jersey auctions and game day activities, including the 50/50 raffle and Spin-to-Win game at all IceHogs home games. Over the last five years, the IceHogs Community Fund has awarded $547,000 in grants to Rockford area nonprofit organizations.

About RVC ALAS 

The Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) is a student organization at Rock Valley College (RVC) created to promote cultural awareness and provide support, assistance, and encouragement to RVC. ALAS strives to show RVC students how to effectively empower themselves and become positive leaders and role models, not only to their peers but to their ever-growing community. 

About La Onda 

La Onda is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in Rockford in 2024 that arose from a clear need within the community to support Latino events and celebrations. La Onda was created by Latinos for Latinos with a vision of inclusivity. La Onda's establishment marks a significant milestone for the Latino community in Rockford and stands as a testament to the power of cultural movements and the enduring spirit of community collaboration.