Free Slurpee Day At 7-Eleven 2013: Plans To Give Out 7 Million, 12 Oz Slurpees; 86th Birthday Celebrated On July 11, Gives Biggest Size Ever And A Lid For Kids

Free Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven is here, and that means customers get one free Slurpee until the end of the day, or until they run out of Slurpees, which are icy, sugary flavored drinks. This year, 7-Eleven is handing out the biggest free slurpees ever.

7-Eleven, largest convenience store chain in the United States, used to serve the 7.11-ounce Slurpee for the past decade on Free Slurpee Day. This day is the unofficial birthday of 7-Eleven, and is chosen due to the numerical date: 7/11. This year marks the 86th birthday of the chain.

However, this year customers are extra excited, because Free Slurpee Day will come with 12-ounce Slurpees.

7-Eleven is probably predicting they will make the money back, as they reportedly have a large increase in sales across their stores on Jully 11th. USA Today reports that overall Slurpee sales are expected to jump as much as 40% on Thursday, compared with a typical July day, said Laura Gordon, vice president of marketing and brand innovation.

"For some people, a small Slurpee is not enough," she added.

According to USA Today, the three biggest-selling items on past Free Slurpee Days are chips, beef jerky, and hot dogs.

Another change this year is that the free drink this year will come with a lid, which will make them more convenient and less messy for parents with small children.

"Moms asked us for cups with lids," Gordon said. "That means less mess in the car."

Gordon estimates that 7-Eleven will give out about seven million free Slurpees this year, according to USA Today. That will be a retail value of $7.6 million. In 2011, 4.5 million slurpees were distributed on Free Slurpee Day.

"It helps us reconnect with people who love the Slurpee," Gordon said.

The free Slurpees will also be served from 11 a.m. till 7 p.m. - do you see a pattern?