Sports In Peoria IL

Peoria's favorite sport

Peoria has long been a town that knows and loves its sports. Several famous athletes call Peoria home, including Joe Girardi (manager of the New York Yankees), Jim Thome (former catcher for the Chicago White Sox), and Dick Jauron (former head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears). When it comes to sports in Peoria IL, no other venue comes close to giving you the full athletic experience than the Peoria Civic Center, home of the Peoria Rivermen.

Peoria's favorite team

Hockey has a storied history in Peoria and is one of the city's longest-standing entertainment choices. The Rivermen, Peoria's hometown professional team, has called the city home since the 1982-1983 season when the team suited up as the Peoria Prancers of the International Hockey League.

 

Related: Hockey's Storied History in Peoria, IL

 

Professional hockey has had a home in Peoria since the 1982-1983 season, when the team began play as the Peoria Prancers of the International Hockey League. The team was quickly rebranded as the Rivermen, a name that stuck and has been become the model of success in the Southern Professional Hockey League. 

 

Sports teams in Peoria IL

Sports have always had a home in Peoria IL, whether at the high school, college, or professional level. Sports teams in Peoria IL have also had high levels of success year in and year out. In addition to the Peoria Rivermen, there are a few other teams that call this city home.

 

The Bradley Braves, Bradley University's men's basketball team, competes at the NCAA Division I level as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. Bradley has appeared in eight NCAA Tournaments, including two Final Fours, in addition to 21 appearances in the National Invitation Tournament, where they have secured four titles.

 

The Peoria Chiefs, Peoria's Class A minor league baseball team, competes in the Western Division of the Midwest League as a feeder team to the St. Louis Cardinals. Like the Rivermen, the Chiefs have a special connection to the Chicago Cubs, as Joe Maddon, the current Cubs' manager, served as the Chiefs' skipper in 1984.

 

Sports Events in Peoria IL

Peoria stands out among its nearby cities as a special place for sports events - in addition to group outings and family entertainment. Those looking to attend sports events in Peoria IL need look no further. Come catch the Rivermen in action at the Carver Arena.

 

Peoria Rivermen Hockey Club
Peoria Civic Center
201 S.W. Jefferson St.
Peoria IL 61602