March 4, 2011

Indoor professional soccer is coming back to Wichita after 10 years.

General manager of the Wichita Wild football team John Blazek confirms Wichita businessman Wink Hartman bought the team. Hartman said he would like to name the team the Wings, if the name is not subject to copyright.

The Wichita Wings left Wichita in 2001. Blazek says the team will play its games at Hartman arena. He says the name hasn't been decided, but they are tossing around ideas. He adds the "Wings" is such a well known name, it may stay the same.

More information is expected to be released later today.

Release from the Major Indoor Soccer League

The Major Indoor Soccer League announced today that professional indoor soccer will return to Wichita for the 2011-12 season. Wichita previously had an indoor soccer team, the Wings, from 1979 to 2001. The League’s Management Committee has granted unanimous approval to the new Wichita team, who will play their home games at the Hartman Arena located in Park City, KS.

“Returning the MISL and professional indoor soccer to Wichita area has been a goal of mine since I joined the MISL in 2002,” said MISL Commissioner David Grimaldi. “Wichita has a rich history, having maintained its status as one of the most successful professional indoor soccer teams on and off the field. Even today it has a strong following and tremendous support from the local community. We are fortunate to have the Wichita area and Wink Hartman joining the MISL. This is a great day for the MISL.”

The Wings will be owned and operated by Wink Hartman Sr., the President of Hartman Oil Co. Hartman has created or invested in over 40 additional companies including Hartman Arena, the Wichita Wild indoor professional football team, Chester’s Chop House, Jimmys Egg and many more companies. A long-time advocate for those who don’t always have a voice in the system, Hartman has been recognized for his community involvement, having received the Wichita Business Journal Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2008 and the Butler County Community College Mid-America Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame award in 2009.

"It has to be noted that in spite of the tough economic times we are all facing, the MISL provides fans with the "best value buy" in sports entertainment,” Grimaldi said. “Our game has been in existence since 1978 and is entertaining, fast-paced, high-scoring, fiercely competitive and affordable for the entire family. This is a true "win-win" situation for the city & fans of the Wichita area and the MISL."