NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Bloomington Bison have been named the recipient of the ECHL’s best team growth “Rising Star Award” and Corporate Partnership Team of the Year Award, the league announced at its annual Summer Meetings. Bloomington was one of just two teams to win multiple awards based on department success rather than an individual’s contributions to an organization. Additionally, the ticketing department was recognized for excellence and high performance by the Non-Profit of the Night and Stick 2 Reading programs.

Individuals, departments and organizations across the 29-team league were recognized for creativity, growth and service to their communities, and year-over-year growth surged the Bison to both team accolades.

Season ticket memberships exploded by the 3^rd highest mark in the league at 60% and all 24 season-long corporate suites were sold out. Overall, attendance expanded by 12.8%.

Partnership support grew 113% and skyrocketed to having the 4^th most support in season ticket memberships throughout the league.

The Non-Profit of the Night program welcomed charitable organizations to share the spotlight at Bloomington Bison games to generate game-day experiences, awareness and revenue for their cause.

Through Stick 2 Reading presented by Jimmy John’s, over 1,500 students across more than 30 schools earned a Bison ticket, free Little John sandwich, certificate and co-branded bookmark for completing a six-week reading goal. The schools with the highest participation were also awarded with a visit from mascot Abe and Bison players to emphasize the importance of the program for developing healthy literacy habits.

Since the inception of Bison Hockey, the Bloomington-Normal community has embraced the team’s dedication and long-term vision for economic and social impact in the area.

Significant support has allowed near-immediate upgrades across many facets of the team’s fabric including facility improvements, expanded philanthropic advocacy and increased access to the sport of hockey. 

The Bloomington Bison’s staying power is evident and continues to be a collaborative commitment between the team and central Illinois.

The team’s elevation of fans, Downtown Bloomington, corporate partners and all external stakeholders has introduced millions of dollars to its home and will blossom even further in the decades ahead.

As the Bison intensify revitalization in the region, continued support of the community, and from the community, remain at the pinnacle of the team’s mission.

Together with every fan who attends games, each corporate partner that invests in affordable family entertainment, the myriad non-profit supporters that define the heart of Illinois and the local leaders who urge the importance of such opportunities, the Bloomington Bison will continue to lead the charge of growth in the ECHL.

While the second season of Bison Hockey saw the team reach new heights both on the ice and in the community, the third season will set the standard even higher. Opening Night of the 2026-27 season is 113 days away.

2026-27 Full Season Memberships are available for as low as $72 per month on an interest free payment plan!! Special benefits include a Meet-the-Team event, Herd Store discount, invitation to exclusive events, ticket exchange program, exclusive FanSaves deals, and a personal Ticket Account Executive. Visit bloomingtonbisonhockey.com or call (309) 965-HERD for more information.