Bloomington, Illinois is a city with rich sporting traditions. From baseball to basketball, swimming to trackandfield, local teams have made their mark on regional and national competitions. But its not just about the games sports have also been intertwined with Bloomingtons history and culture for over 150 years.
To explore this fascinating legacy, start at the David Davis Mansion (1000 Monroe Drive), home of one of Bloomingtons most prominent citizens in the 19th century. The mansion showcases memorabilia of sporting events from Daviss time as senator, including antique fishing gear and an original billiards table.
Next up is Walker Park (1201 S Morris Ave), where you can see original structures built during FERA (Federal Emergency Relief Administration) programs commissioned by Franklin D Roosevelt during depression era America. Home to multiple stadiums including basketball courts, horseshoe pitches and softball diamonds which are still used today but now administered by Bloomington Parks Department but were once venues for major college tournaments in every sport imaginable such as football matches under the sun or floodlights; baseball games played well into extra innings; soccer matches decided only after penalty kicks all captured within beautiful murals painted on buildings exteriors throughout the park.
Moving on along College Avenue down towards downtown proper brings visitors past chiseled reliefs depicting athletes frozen midstride playing seemingly acrobatic sports above storefronts that echo with voices calling out plays while cheering crowds below who would gather near landmarks like The Square where parades featuring marching bands so large they could never even finish pass through regularly showing off school pride among other festivities long since passed into memory..
For a more recent slice of local history head over to Normal Community West High School (501 N Parkside Rd.). Here youll find displays that celebrate historic moments from Normal Wests sports teams, including the streak of 25 consecutive wins in football led by Coach Jim Spencer during his tenure at the school.
Finally, no sporting trip to Bloomington would be complete without a visit to Redbird Arena (702 W. College Ave). This storied indoor venue has hosted countless basketball games since it opened over half a century ago and still serves as home court for Illinois State University mens and womens basketball teams with luxury boxes now added to make watching even more enjoyable!
Bloomington is full of surprises when it comes to its sporting past. With events that showcase diversity and charm, these historic sites present visitors with an unforgettable experience while paying homage not only to athletics but also local traditions rooted deep within this vibrant community!
Websites:
https://goredbirds.com/sports/2015/3/26/recreationredbirdarenahtml.aspx
Twitter:
@NormalWestHighSchool_Activities
@ILSTUMBB">https://www.daviddavismansion.org/
https://www.normalwest.net/
https://goredbirds.com/sports/2015/3/26/recreationredbirdarenahtml.aspx
Twitter:
1000 Monroe Drive Il
Bloomington, IL
United States
1201 S Morris Ave Il
Bloomington, IL
United States
Federal Emergency Relief Administration Il
null null
Bloomington, IL
United States
501 N Parkside Rd. Il
Bloomington, IL
United States
702 W. College Ave Il
Bloomington, IL
United States