New professional hockey franchise in Mobile may lean into city’s Mardi Gras roots

Mobile’s status as the historic "Birthplace of Mardi Gras" is set to take center stage on Tuesday. Zawyer Sports and Entertainment is slated to unveil the brand and logo for the city's newest professional hockey franchise, with all signs pointing toward an identity deeply rooted in the city's iconic Carnival traditions.

A Carnival-Inspired Identity

The excitement surrounding the team's arrival has been building, with social media teasers and a recent trademark application fueling speculation that the franchise could revive the “Mysticks” name. The name originally connected hockey with the city's mystic societies—the organizations that power Mobile's parades and balls—during the franchise's run at the Mobile Civic Center from 1995 to 2002.

The official branding reveal will take place at 6 p.m. at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center. Fans can look forward to seeing the new team take the ice at Regions Arena beginning with the 2027–28 season, marking Mobile's return to the Southern Professional Hockey League.

More Than Just a Game

For Cart Blackwell, curator of the Mobile Carnival Museum, the potential for a Mardi Gras-themed team goes beyond sports. "If there was to be a name that is affiliated with a sports team in Carnival, it would reaffirm Carnival’s place in Mobile’s past, present and future," Blackwell said. He believes a professional team provides a unique platform to introduce national audiences to the distinct traditions of Mobile, setting it apart in the playful cultural rivalry with New Orleans.

Currently, no other professional sports franchise in the U.S. draws its primary identity from Mardi Gras elements. The move aligns with Mobile’s decade-long effort to emphasize its Carnival roots year-round. This push includes the "Born to Celebrate" slogan introduced by Visit Mobile in 2015, which CEO David Clark notes has become a contagious and lucrative brand for the city.

The Business of Tradition

Mardi Gras remains Alabama's largest annual festival, driving significant economic impact for the city. Local leaders like Maynard Odom of the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association and Bradley Byrne of the Mobile Chamber emphasize that utilizing the city's heritage is a proven strategy for growth.

Looking ahead, city leadership—including Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis—is eager to expand the ways visitors interact with Carnival culture, from hands-on float experiences to year-round programming. As Cheriogotis noted, "We started it. I will say I think we do it the best."