Get Your Free Slurpee at 7-Eleven Today, It's Bigger Than Last Year!

Jul 11, 2013 09:27 AM EDT

It's 7/11, the day each year that 7-Eleven is celebrating its "birthday". 7-Eleven stores in North America are handing out a free Slurpee to all customers, this offer is good from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This year, the convenience store is giving 12 oz. Slurpee instead of the usual 7.11 oz. size that has been offered in the years past.

Why is it bigger?

"Moms asked us for cups with lids," Laura Gordon, vice president of marketing and brand innovation, told USA Today. She told the newspaper the old 7.11-ounce cups don't have lids. "That means less mess in the car."

Gordon said 7-Eleven estimates that it will give away 7 million Slurpees on Thursday at a retail value of $7.6 million, but believes it will pay off in other sales and repeat customer loyalty.

"Some of the biggest sellers on Free Slurpee day are potato chips, beef jerky and hot dogs." Gordon said

The birthday celebration also will include an in-store dance party with favors and Slurpee-branded merchandise for sale.

Use the store locator to find a location near you.