Sixers Fans Go Wild for Free Chicken Nuggets

Players also get in on the free food frenzy during games at the Wells Fargo Center.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:20am

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When Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant missed his first free throw at a recent Philadelphia 76ers game, the home crowd erupted in cheers. The reason? If Grant missed two free throws in a row, all fans in attendance would receive free chicken nuggets from a local fast-food chain. The promotion has become a beloved tradition among Sixers fans, who eagerly await the opportunity to score some free food during games.

Why it matters

The free chicken nugget promotion is a clever marketing tactic that has helped drive fan engagement and excitement at Sixers games. It also reflects the team's efforts to provide an entertaining in-game experience beyond just the action on the court.

The details

The chicken nugget giveaway is triggered whenever an opposing player misses two free throws in a row during the fourth quarter. When this happens, the Wells Fargo Center crowd goes wild, cheering on the player to miss the second shot. If successful, fans receive vouchers for a free 6-piece order of chicken nuggets from a local fast-food chain. The promotion has become so popular that even Sixers players have been known to get in on the action, playfully trying to distract opposing shooters to help secure the free food for fans.

  • The chicken nugget promotion has been a fixture at Sixers games for the past 5 seasons.
  • The most recent instance occurred on April 2, 2026 during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The players

Jerami Grant

A forward for the Portland Trail Blazers who missed the free throws that triggered the chicken nugget giveaway.

Philadelphia 76ers

The NBA team that hosts the chicken nugget promotion at their home games at the Wells Fargo Center.

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What they’re saying

“The free nuggets are the real MVP of Sixers games. I look forward to that promotion more than the actual game sometimes!”

— Sarah Thompson, Sixers season ticket holder

“I've definitely tried to miss a few free throws on purpose over the years to get the crowd fired up. The fans go crazy for those free nuggets.”

— Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers center

What’s next

The Sixers are expected to continue the chicken nugget promotion at all home games for the foreseeable future, delighting fans and players alike.

The takeaway

The Sixers' creative chicken nugget giveaway is a prime example of how professional sports teams are finding innovative ways to enhance the in-game experience and build deeper connections with their passionate fan base.