Peoria Rivermen

It is a shame that the Rivermen are a thing of the past after so many successful seasons in Peoria. It will be really unusual to have the ideal facility but no hockey in the city until at least 2014 – 15. Let’s hope and pray that a miracle takes shape, and the landscape changes for the better.

As a business traveler to the region, I was looking for something to do besides sit my in hotel room and watch TLC all night and I also love hockey. For $ 25 I received an on the glass seat for an exciting game against the Oklahoma City Barons. Best $ 25 I have ever spent! Multiple times players would smash into the glass a foot in front of me and nearly knock me out of my seat.
The beer selections were good and cheap. I did notice that I was the only person in the arena without Rivermen gear. I immediately went to the pro shop for some apparel. $ 60 for an adult sweatshirt?! Holy cow. Luckily, I can fit into a child’s size for $ 30.
My only disappointment was the false representation by the mascot. The pictures show a tough ship captain after a long day on the river. Then, out skates a fluffy overweight bear? Why not change the team name to Peoria Overweight Bears? Does Peoria even have bears?

$ 20 will get you a decent seat, if only we had a decent team. Concessions are actually pretty reasonable for a sports event.

Since I’m only a visitor to Peoria, I have no historical reference for the team’s performance, but I had a great time.
The Rivermen are the AHL farm team for the NHL’s St. Louis Blues and they play at the Peoria Civic Center. These games are community and family oriented. When you enter the center, there are activities for the kids (face painting, balloon animals and bouncy castles). Between periods, there are contests and more stuff for the kids.
The concessions are pretty standard and the prices aren’t exorbitant. Street parking isn’t too bad and there are several parking garages in the area.
Go Rivermen!