Big Joe Forklifts Named Official Sponsor of Madison Capitols as Team Begins New Chapter at DeForest Yards

DEFOREST, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Big Joe Forklifts, a leading provider of electric material handling and warehouse solutions, today announced its partnership with the Madison Capitols as an official sponsor of the United States Hockey League (USHL) team for the 2026-27 season.

The partnership comes as the Capitols begin an exciting new chapter, relocating from Middleton to their new home at LEGACY20 Arena at DeForest Yards for the 2026-27 season. The new arena anchors DeForest Yards, a state-of-the-art mixed-use housing and entertainment district designed to bring sports, recreation, dining and community events together in one destination.

For Big Joe Forklifts, the partnership represents an opportunity to support a growing local organization while strengthening its connection to the DeForest community. Big Joe moved its headquarters to DeForest, Wisconsin in 2024 after being based in the Wisconsin Dells since the 50’s, making the Capitols' move to the community a natural fit for the company.

“We’re proud to partner with the Madison Capitols as they enter this exciting new era in DeForest,” said Dan Rosskamm, CEO. “Big Joe has deep roots in this community, and we’re excited to support an organization that shares our commitment to bringing people together, investing in the future and creating opportunities for the next generation. The new DeForest Yards development is an incredible addition to the community, and we’re thrilled to be part of it.”

The 2026-27 season marks the beginning of a new era for the Capitols, who will play their first home game at LEGACY20 Arena at DeForest Yards on October 17 against the Chicago Steel. The new arena features two NHL-sized ice sheets, a 3,000-person indoor arena, a 2,000-square-foot training facility, 13 locker rooms, two levels of spectator viewing and an outdoor covered arena designed for winter hockey and year-round community events.

The broader DeForest Yards development is designed to operate beyond game days, with dining, entertainment, green space and a variety of sporting and community events. The district will also feature a second location of Aranda’s Mexican Restaurant and Youngblood Brewery.

“Big Joe Forklifts is all about powering progress, and we see that same spirit in what the Capitols and LEGACY20 are building here,” added Rosskamm. “We look forward to cheering on the team, welcoming fans to DeForest and being part of the energy surrounding this new destination.”

The partnership further reflects Big Joe’s commitment to the community surrounding its DeForest headquarters. Established in 1951, Big Joe Forklifts is celebrating 75 years of innovation in 2026 and provides lithium-ion forklifts, pallet jacks and autonomous material handling solutions through its nationwide dealer network.

Fans can learn more about the Madison Capitols' 2026-27 season and home schedule at madcapshockey.com. For more information about Big Joe Forklifts and its 75-year history of innovation, visit BigJoeForklifts.com.

About Big Joe Forklifts

Big Joe Forklifts, established in 1951, is a North American leader in material handling solutions with a mission to empower the people who move things and a vision to be the trusted partner delivering disruptive solutions that accelerate the industry's transformation from internal combustion to electric to fully autonomous. The company’s tagline, Powering Progress, reflects its commitment to innovation and partnership as it delivers lithium-ion forklifts, advanced material-handling equipment, and autonomous solutions through its nationwide dealer network.