Bloomington, Ill. - Bloomington Bison President Andy Zilch announced today the details for Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, October 25 at 7 p.m. at the Grossinger Motors Arena.
Kicking off the special occasion will be a pre-game tailgate on Front Street from 4-6 p.m. featuring displays, representatives, and vehicles from every branch of the United States Military.
Armored and utility vehicles will be present including World War II and Vietnam War-era Jeeps, and a helicopter and B-57 cockpit from the Prairie Aviation Museum. The Illinois State Military Museum will be showcasing uniform, equipment, and rare item displays and sharing the historical significance of the pieces.
Food and beverages will be available for fans to purchase while enjoying the patriotic atmosphere, which will include a DJ, military robots, simulators, a dog tag machine and more.
The game will feature representation from all branches of the United States military, an oath of enlistment ceremony for over 50 new servicemembers and a special ceremonial puck drop.
Bison players will be adorned with specialty military appreciation jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Veterans Maintenance Solutions.
Veterans Maintenance Solutions is a local non-profit organization that assists current and former servicemembers and their families with home maintenance and provides solutions to accessibility concerns.
Local businesses and fans that would like to donate tickets to servicemembers and their families for Military Appreciation Night may do so through the Bison’s Seats for Service initiative. Donors can send veterans, active duty or retired military to the game and by doing so, gain access to all-you-can-eat hospitality areas.
To inquire about purchasing tickets or to donate to the local military or to purchase seats, call (309) 965-HERD or visit bloomingtonbisonhockey.com.
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