Rockford, Illinois
🏒 Rockford IceHogs

Although some could say they’re still somewhat of a newcomer in the incredibly stable American Hockey League, the Rockford IceHogs have been a competitive member of the circuit for more than twenty seasons. Playing an hour and a half outside of Chicago, the top-level affiliate of the NHL’s Blackhawks has truly found its place in heart of the Screw City – a place known for its baseball lore – at the nearly 8,000-seat BMO Center. The facility opened in 1981 and has been the only home of the IceHogs since their inception in 1999, seeing them through their years in the UHL and supporting their jump to the AHL in 2007.

Like a lot of its Rust Belt peers, the city of Rockford has struggled as the 21st century has wore on. But despite a small population decline and streets fading into disrepair, the downtown area surrounding the BMO Center couldn’t be more alive. The streets are full of restaurants, bars and other hangout spots that prove this part of town is far from dead, and it’s clear that the IceHogs are at the center of this revitalization. The city has subsequently invested heavily in the BMO Center and the IceHogs, footing the bill for massive upgrades in 2006, a redesign of the lower level seating bowl in 2013 and beautiful improvements to the concourses and fan amenities in 2021.

The first thing that greets fans upon entering the arena is a large atrium full of foodstuffs and activity tables that draw you in before you even hit the main concourse. A new Jack Daniels bar dominates the space, while IceHogs merchandise auctions flank it on both sides.

Another hot amenity is the Rooftop Club, situated in the end Rockford defends twice. This three-tiered premium area offers a unique perch from which to watch the game, as well as on-the-glass front row seating with high-top tables.

The arena also boasts a fun variety of concessions that reflect the local Midwest cuisine. Cheese curds and Italian beef sandwiches are the first things to come to mind, but corndogs, Bundt cakes, barbecue, burrito bowls and Sassy Mac & Cheese are also on the menu.

The story of the IceHogs dominates the walls of the concourse, with team accomplishments and notable events for the building broken down by era. Great players who’ve skated for the ‘Hogs – including the likes of Corey Crawford, Bryan Bickell and Jean-Francois Rivard – are celebrated with their own individual info boards. While the AHL version of the team, despite a few deep runs, has yet to claim a championship, the IceHogs did manage to win it all on one occasion in the United Hockey League. Their only Colonial Cup came during their final home game at the BMO Center before transitioning to the AHL, a game 7 thriller against the Kalamazoo Wings in 2007.

Like they were back then, IceHogs fans remain some of the best around. As such, they’re treated nightly to one of the best pregame shows in the league, highlighted by screens that flash in sync above each of the arena’s vomitoriums. Spotlights and smoke machines complete the spectacle, as the Rockford squad takes to the ice through a giant inflatable hog – and thunderous roars from the crowd.