Binghamton Unites on Ice: The 40th Annual Heart Cup

If you’ve lived in the Binghamton area for any amount of time, chances are you’ve heard about the Heart Cup, or maybe you’ve even gone before. It’s one of those events that just feels like home. Neighbors, families, first responders, longtime friends, all in the same building for a good cause and a little friendly competition on the ice.

The Heart Cup: A Legacy of Community Giving

The Binghamton Heart Cup has been an annual hockey game between the Binghamton Police and Fire Departments since 1985, and it remains one of the longest-running charity events in our community.

Save the Date: 40th Annual Heart Cup

The 40th annual Binghamton Heart Cup is set for Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 3:30 pm at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena. Police and Fire will face off once again, keeping the tradition alive and giving fans plenty to cheer about.

And if you want to make a whole afternoon and night out of it, you can. After the Heart Cup wraps up, the Binghamton Black Bears will take on the Indiana Sentinels at 7:00 pm in the same arena. It’s basically a full hockey day downtown, which honestly sounds like a pretty perfect winter Saturday in the Southern Tier.

From One Game to a Four-Decade Tradition

This event started with something very personal. Back in the mid 1980s, Binghamton Police Sergeant Dan Correll needed a heart valve replacement. He was also a big hockey fan, and that’s where the idea came from.

Playing for a Cause: Supporting Lives and Heroes

Sgt. Correll helped organize a friendly game between police and firefighters, both to raise money and to raise awareness. What started as a one-time fundraiser has become a tradition that’s been going strong for four decades.

Giving Back to Those Who Give Most

While the rivalry on the ice is fun, the reason behind the game is what really matters. Proceeds from the Heart Cup benefit the American Heart Association, supporting heart research, education, and programs that help save lives.

The game also supports the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which helps first responders, veterans, and their families, especially those who have been injured or killed in the line of duty. So when you buy a ticket or donate, you’re helping in very real, very local ways.

Why the Heart Cup Matters Here

Heart disease doesn’t feel like an abstract issue when you live here. Most of us can probably name someone in our own circle who has dealt with heart problems, surgeries, or sudden medical scares. Add in the fact that this game involves the same police officers and firefighters who show up when our families need help, and it becomes personal pretty fast.

This is one of those events where you can bring your kids, run into coworkers, see old classmates, and feel like you’re part of something bigger than just a scoreboard.

Breaking the Winter Blues Together

Let’s be honest, February in the Southern Tier can feel long. Cabin fever is real. Events like the Heart Cup give us a reason to bundle up, head downtown, and actually do something together instead of just scrolling on the couch.

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Whether you’re there for the police vs fire matchup, staying for the Black Bears game, or just going to support a cause that’s been helping people since 1985, it’s one of those feel-good community nights that reminds you why people love living here.