A Good Year for the Outlaw

Received this from Bryan Bloodworth and the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington today:

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – John Y. Butler, president of Central Illinois Arena
Management Inc., announced Friday that he has purchased the shares of CIAM from former business partner and co-owner Mike Nelson. The acquisition, which closed Friday, gives Butler sole ownership of the management company, which operates the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in downtown Bloomington. “Mike was
instrumental in bringing the Coliseum to reality,” said Butler. “He negotiated and successfully completed the sale of the naming rights for both the U.S. Cellular Coliseum and the Pepsi Ice Center.

“Mike has always been a first-class marketing person and should be recognized for his success and perseverance in making the Coliseum a reality.” Nelson will continue into the summer, so his duties can be smoothly transitioned to other staff. Butler expects the staff to be reorganized, but without new hiring. Central Illinois Arena Management, Inc., a private contractor for the City of Bloomington, has seven years remaining on a management contract with extension options thereafter. The U.S. Cellular Coliseum will be completing its third year of operation this month.

Bryan Bloodworth
Bloomington PrairieThunder
Media Relations Director
101 S. Madison St.
Bloomington, Ill. 61701
Office: 309-434-2691
Fax: 309-434-2667

Peorians may remember John and Mike from their days with the Chiefs, Bradley, and the Rivermen before they returned home to get The Baby Cell built. Both are very good friends of mine, and I wish them both the best in the future. My guess is that we can look for some more news regarding former Peoria sports connections coming soon.