Evansville, IN – The Evansville Thunderbolts announced on social media that their upcoming game against the Peoria Rivermen in Peoria, Illinois, will be postponed. The decision was made “out of an abundance of caution for the players, staff, and everyone involved,” the team said.
Reason for postponement
The Peoria Rivermen released a statement confirming that the postponement follows an evacuation order issued by local authorities after a credible bomb threat was reported at the BioUrja Renewables ethanol plant. Police secured a suspicious package at the facility and rendered it safe, but investigators continue to search the plant.
Neighborhoods within a one‑mile radius of the plant were ordered to evacuate, and the FBI is assisting with the ongoing investigation. The threat has created uncertainty around travel logistics for the Thunderbolts and the conversion of the Peoria Civic Center from a concert setup to a hockey‑ready arena.
Impact on fans and ticket holders
The Rivermen told fans that tickets for the postponed game can be exchanged for the rescheduled contest or for another regular‑season game. Ticket exchanges will be handled by the team’s office at 309‑676‑1040, with staff available starting Monday at 8:30 a.m.
Both clubs expressed disappointment at the disruption but emphasized that safety remains the top priority. The Thunderbolts thanked Peoria officials for their swift response and assured supporters that the team is prepared to travel once a new date is confirmed.
Next steps
No new date or time for the game has been announced at this time. The Rivermen will provide updates as the investigation progresses and the evacuation order is lifted.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets and official statements from law‑enforcement agencies. The situation underscores the importance of coordinated emergency response efforts to protect public safety while minimizing disruption to local events.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
