BREAKING NEWS: ECHL To Expand To Lake Tahoe

According to Frank Seravelli, the ECHL is expanding to Lake Tahoe starting in the 2024-25 season, as the ECHL announced that they have approved Lake Tahoe as the league’s 29th membership. This is a shock to most people because when you ask about expansion in the ECHL, some of the biggest responses are usually New Mexico or Athens, GA. Just as Savannah did when they expanded into the ECHL, the team in Lake Tahoe will play in the brand-new Tahoe Blue Event Center, which will begin operations later this month, and the arena is expected to sit 4,200+ plus, which depending on what the final number comes out to be, it could overtake Colissee Videotron, the arena will be located in Stateline, Nevada. This is a great move for the ECHL as Stateline is in the center of the Lake Tahoe area, which also houses skiing and casinos nearby.

“The ECHL proudly welcomes the 29th Member Team to the League in the brand-new Tahoe Blue Event Center, expanding our geography in the western part of the continent, and creating natural rivalries for visiting fans with the Idaho Steelheads, Utah Grizzlies, and the entire Mountain Division,” said ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin. “This new team will offer the only professional sports action in the region, giving locals a hometown team and fast-paced entertainment, with a commitment to giving back and growing the game of hockey in the community. This ownership and operating group have already shown the ability to create a new generation of ECHL fans, and we look forward to the excitement they will bring to South Tahoe.”

https://www.echl.com/en/news/2023/7/echl-approves-expansion-membership-for-lake-tahoe

The team has yet to announce the team name, but it will be owned by Tim Tebow along with David Hodges, CEO of Hodges Management Group, LLC, and the team will be managed and operated by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment. Tebow, a Heisman winner in 2007, spent his college career as the quarterback for the Florida Gators. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 2010 draft and spent two seasons with the team before spending a year with the New York Jets before retiring from football. Tebow also has a minority stake in both the Savannah Ghost Pirates and Jacksonville Icemen.

“I love that sports can bring people together from all over to enjoy camaraderie, competition, and community impact,” Tebow said. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of a group bringing hockey to the Tahoe area for fans and families to create memories for years to come.”

https://www.echl.com/en/news/2023/7/echl-approves-expansion-membership-for-lake-tahoe

Knowing the team’s location, they are in a great place to partner with one of the teams out in California, or the Vegas Golden Knights, also in Nevada.