By WJBC Staff
BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Edge has announced it will be rejoining the Indoor Football League, the league in which it competed from 2009 to 2012.
Bloomington now joins teams that have well established national identities including the Iowa Barnstormers and the Arizona Rattlers among others.
“This is essentially a move from AA to AAA, and reflects the recent success we’ve had on the field,” Edge owner and CEO Omar Khokhar said. “We have several top-notch rivals within our geographic footprint, and the IFL digital platform has a reach that is very attractive to our business partners and will help continue to grow our brand.”
The Edge was one of the original members of the IFL in 2009, and made playoff appearances in all four seasons while affiliated with the league. In 2013 the Edge joined the Champions Indoor Football League, but after two seasons Khokhar decided it was time to move up.
Edge GM Charles Welde said this move will help attract the best available players and enhance sponsorships.
“This decision is about bringing Bloomington football to the national level and attracting the highest tier players. The IFL sends several players to the NFL every year, including current players on the Texans, Vikings, and Ravens. This move back to the IFL is a win for sports fans in Central Illinois,” said Welde.
The Bloomington Edge plays its home games at the Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.
“The announcement that the Bloomington Edge is coming back home to the IFL is good news for our team and our community,” added Karen Schmidt, Alderman for Ward 6 in Bloomington and Mayor Pro-Tem. “Mayor Renner and I both welcome this news and look forward to a great season in a strong league.”
The 2018 season starts in February.