Bloomington Bison bring hockey back to Grossinger Motors Arena for the 2024-25 ECHL season, inspired by the community's history and Route 66, aiming to address the struggle of establishing a hockey presence in Bloomington. The Bison are the 30th ECHL franchise, marking a new era for hockey in the area after previous teams like the Central Illinois Flying Aces faced challenges.

The return of hockey to Bloomington signifies a fresh start for the sport in the community, aiming to engage fans and create a sustainable hockey culture despite past challenges in attracting audiences.

• The City of Bloomington expects 2,200 fans to attend Bison games, a significant increase from the 600 average attendance of the previous team, the Flying Aces.
• ESPN devoted only 2.7% of its airtime to hockey coverage a decade ago, emphasizing the sport's struggle for visibility compared to football and baseball.

• The Bloomington Bison mark the fifth franchise at Grossinger Motors Arena since its opening in 2006.
• Peoria, a nearby city, has maintained a strong hockey presence with the Peoria Rivermen since the 1980s, highlighting varying levels of hockey engagement in different communities.

As the Bison prepare for their inaugural season, the focus is on engaging the local community, especially the youth, to build a sustainable and supportive fan base for hockey in Bloomington.

The Bloomington Bison's introduction brings hope for a revitalized hockey culture in the area, emphasizing the potential for success through community engagement and a fresh approach to promoting the sport.