RICHMOND, Texas – Exciting information for hockey followers within the Houston space. The North American Hockey League announced (NAHL) it is relocating the North Iowa Bulls to Fort Bend County. The team will likely be renamed the Houston Bulls and can play in a brand-new sports facility in Richmond, Texas.
Hockey returning to Houston space, expected to bring economic boost to Richmond
What we all know:
The NAHL introduced that the brand new Deep South Ice and Sports Center will likely be constructed alongside Harlem Road. Local leaders say this will likely be a recreation changer and an economic boost for the world.
“Anytime something of this magnitude comes into the area, we think about the economic impact in a positive way. Restaurants, hotels, and shops will see increased patronage from visitors coming in for games and other events at the facility. The workforce will also be impacted, so when a new complex like this is opened, that means new jobs, and it also means new enterprise,” stated Melissa Toon, President and CEO of the Central Fort Bend Chamber.
According to the NAHL, the privately owned, 150,000-square-foot facility will function a state-of-the-art 1,800-seat enviornment, 14 suites, two social gathering decks, and a second NHL-size follow ice sheet. The advanced may also embrace a volleyball middle, making a multi-sport vacation spot for the Richmond and higher Houston group.
The facility is expected to host greater than 30 nights of high-level hockey and leisure every season.
Local enterprise homeowners are already trying ahead to the elevated visitors and visibility the brand new advanced might bring.
“We’re super excited,” stated the proprietor of Beans and Brews Coffee House. “Richmond has a great community, and this introduces something completely new with hockey and ice sports. We expect to welcome new customers, make new friends, and grow our business.”
City leaders say Richmond continues to develop with extra households transferring into the world and new companies being constructed. They imagine the addition of the sports advanced will bring a singular and particular attraction to the group.
“I remember when we had a hockey team back in the day with the Houston Aeros,” Toon stated. “It’s great to bring a sport back that hasn’t existed in our area for a while.”
What’s subsequent:
The Deep South Ice and Sports Center is scheduled to open in the summertime of 2026. The Houston Bulls will be part of the NAHL’s South Division for the 2026–27 season.
The Source: NAHL, Melissa Toon, President and CEO of the Central Fort Bend Chamber.