Bison’s opening weekend boosting Bloomington’s economy

Posted on October 24, 2024

*The Bloomington Bison hockey team opened the season last weekend at Grossinger Motors Arena. (WJBC file photo)*

BLOOMINGTON – With the Bloomington Bison drawing in more than 4,000 spectators, Grossinger Motors Arena was almost packed to capacity at Saturday’s opening game.

The Bison played the Toledo Walleye for its inaugural opening weekend. Ahead of Saturday’s game, there was a fan fest. And following Sunday’s game, kids had a chance to skate with the players.

The city is excited about the catalyst the Bison will provide to the city. Mike Wilcott, assistant director of arts and entertainment, said with 36 home games the Bison bring a big boost to the city’s economy.

“Saturday night we had over 4,000 fans in attendance for opening night. We’re very happy with that but expect crowds to grow on additional Saturday night games coming up,” said Wilcott. “We had a good crowd again on Sunday and many fans actually traveled in from Toledo, which is very good for our city for many ways. That takes care of a lot of hotel rooms, a lot of dining dollars, a lot of gas station fill-ups, and some shopping. So that’s good to see too.”

There were also fans from the Peoria Rivermen, the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Wolves and the St. Louis Blues in the stands.

The next home game is on Oct. 26 with a 7 p.m. puck drop against the Iowa Heartlanders.

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