The following is a list of Arena Football League (AFL) arenas. American and Canadian football is traditionally played outdoors on grass or artificial turf fields 120–150 yards (109.73–137.16 m) in length. However, arena football is played in covered climate-controlled multi-purpose venues. The field is comparable to the size of a National Hockey League rink, allowing 50 yards (46 m) for a scrimmage area. The AFL was established in 1987 and featured arena football teams across the United States until it folded in 2019. In 2014, the average AFL attendance was 8,473 per game. That year the Tampa Bay Storm averaged the most attendees per game with 11,402. The Orlando Predators were the least attended team in 2014 drawing an average of 5,421 per game.[1] Talking Stick Resort Arena was the home of the Arizona Rattlers from 1992 until the team's departure in 2016, making it the longest operating AFL venue. The smallest venue to house an AFL team was the 5,000 seat West Palm Beach Auditorium, the home of the Florida Bobcats from 1996 to 1998. ArenaBowl IX at the Thunderdome (now Tropicana Field) in St. Petersburg, Florida on September 1, 1995, was the highest attended game in AFL history (25,087).[2] Joe Louis Arena in Detroit has been host to four ArenaBowls (1989, 1990, 1991, 1993).
Defunct teams
[edit]Team (former names) |
Arena (former names) |
Years used | Capacity | Opened | City |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama Vipers | Von Braun Center | 2010 | 6,760 | 1975 | Huntsville, Alabama |
Albany Empire | Times Union Center Pepsi Arena Knickerbocker Arena |
2018–2019 | 13,785 | 1990 | Albany, New York |
Anaheim Piranhas (1996–1997) (Las Vegas Sting) (1994–1995) |
Arrowhead Pond Anaheim Arena (1993) |
1996–1997 | 17,174 | 1993 | Anaheim, California |
Thomas & Mack Center | 1995 | 18,776 | 1983 | Paradise, Nevada | |
MGM Grand Garden Arena | 1994 | 17,157 | Paradise, Nevada | ||
Arizona Rattlers | Talking Stick Resort Arena US Airways Center (2005–2014) America West Arena (1992–2005) |
1992–2016 | 16,321 | 1992 | Phoenix, Arizona |
Atlantic City Blackjacks | Boardwalk Hall | 2019–2019 | 10,500 | 1929 | Atlantic City, New Jersey |
Austin Wranglers | Frank Erwin Center | 2004–2007 | 14,990 | 1977 | Austin, Texas |
Baltimore Brigade | Royal Farms Arena First Mariner Arena Baltimore Arena Baltimore Civic Center |
2017–2019 | 11,271 | 1962 | Baltimore, Maryland |
Bossier–Shreveport Battle Wings | CenturyTel Center | 2010 | 12,000 | 2000 | Bossier City, Louisiana |
Carolina Cobras | Charlotte Coliseum | 2003–2004 | 21,684 | 1988 | Charlotte, North Carolina |
Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena RBC Center (2002–2012) |
2000–2002 | 18,176 | 1999 | Raleigh, North Carolina | |
Charlotte Rage | Charlotte Coliseum | 1992–1996 | 21,684 | 1988 | Charlotte, North Carolina |
Chicago Bruisers | Rosemont Horizon Allstate Arena (1999–present) |
1987–1989 | 16,143 | 1980 | Rosemont, Illinois |
Chicago Politicians (1986 Playtest Game) |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Chicago Rush (2001–2013) |
BMO Harris Bank Center Rockford MetroCentre (1981–2011) |
2013 | 5,895 | 1981 | Rockford, Illinois |
Allstate Arena Rosemont Horizon (1980–1999) |
2001– | 16,143 | 1980 | Rosemont, Illinois | |
Cincinnati Rockers (1992–1993) |
Riverfront Coliseum U.S. Bank Arena Firstar Center The Crown |
1992–1993 | 12,823 | 1975 | Cincinnati, Ohio |
Cleveland Gladiators (Las Vegas Gladiators) (New Jersey Gladiators) (New Jersey Red Dogs) |
Quicken Loans Arena | 2008–2017 | 18,926 | 1994 | Cleveland, Ohio |
Orleans Arena | 2007 | 9,500 | 2003 | Paradise, Nevada | |
Thomas & Mack Center | 2003–2006 | 18,776 | 1983 | ||
Continental Airlines Arena | 1997–2002 | 19,040 | 1981 | East Rutherford, New Jersey | |
Cleveland Thunderbolts (1992–1994) (Columbus Thunderbolts) (1991) |
Coliseum at Richfield | 1992–1994 | 18,544 | 1974 | Richfield, Ohio |
Ohio Expo Center Coliseum | 1991 | 7,000 | 1918 | Columbus, Ohio | |
Colorado Crush | Pepsi Center | 2003–2008 | 17,210 | 1999 | Denver, Colorado |
Columbus Destroyers (Buffalo Destroyers) |
Nationwide Arena | 2004–2008, 2019 | 17,171 | 2000 | Columbus, Ohio |
HSBC Arena Marine Midland Arena (1996–1999) |
1999–2003 | 18,690 | 1996 | Buffalo, New York | |
Connecticut Coyotes (1995–1996) |
Hartford Civic Center | 1995–1996 | 15,150 | 1980 | Hartford, Connecticut |
Dallas Desperados | American Airlines Center | 2002–2008 | 16,096 | 2001 | Dallas, Texas |
Dallas Texans (1990–1993) |
Reunion Arena | 1995–1996 | 17,001 | 1980 | Dallas, Texas |
Dallas Vigilantes | American Airlines Center | 2010–2011 | 16,026 | 2001–2011 | Dallas, Texas |
Denver Dynamite (1987, 1989–1991) |
McNichols Sports Arena | 1987, 1989–1991 | 16,061 | 1975 | Denver, Colorado |
Detroit Fury (2001–2004) |
The Palace of Auburn Hills | 2001–2004 | 20,184 | 1988 | Auburn Hills, Michigan |
Florida Bobcats (1996–2001) (Miami Hooters) (1993–1995) (Sacramento Attack) (1992) |
National Car Rental Center | 1999–2001 | 17,900 | 1998 | Sunrise, Florida |
West Palm Beach Auditorium | 1996–1998 | 5,000 | 1965 | West Palm Beach, Florida | |
Miami Arena | 1993–1995 | 14,696 | 1988 | Miami, Florida | |
ARCO Arena | 1992 | 12,632 | 1988 | Sacramento, California | |
Fort Worth Cavalry (1994) |
Fort Worth Convention Center | 1994 | 11,200 | 1965 | Fort Worth, Texas |
Georgia Force | Arena at Gwinnett Center | 2003–2004, 2008, 2010–2012 | 11,500 | 2003 | Duluth, Georgia |
Philips Arena | 2002, 2005–2007 | 18,545 | 1999 | Atlanta, Georgia | |
Grand Rapids Rampage | Van Andel Arena | 1998–2008 | 10,834 | 1996 | Grand Rapids, Michigan |
Houston Thunderbears (1998–2001) (Texas Terror) (1996–1997) |
Compaq Center The Summit (1975–1998) |
1996–2001 | 15,256 | 1975 | Houston, Texas |
Indiana Firebirds (2001–2004) (Albany Firebirds) (1990–2000) |
Conseco Fieldhouse | 2001–2004 | 14,400 | 1999 | Indianapolis, Indiana |
Pepsi Arena | 1990–2000 | 13,256 | 1990 | Albany, New York | |
Iowa Barnstormers | Wells Fargo Arena | 2010–2014 | 15,181 | 2005 | Des Moines, Iowa |
Jacksonville Sharks | Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena | 2010–2016 | 13,000 | 2003 | Jacksonville, Florida |
Kansas City Command (2011–2012) (Kansas City Brigade) (2006–2008) |
Sprint Center | 2008–2012 | 17,752 | 2007 | Kansas City, Missouri |
Kemper Arena | 2006–2007 | 17,642 | 1974 | ||
Las Vegas Outlaws | Thomas & Mack Center | 2015 | 16,606 | 1983 | Paradise, Nevada |
Los Angeles Avengers | Staples Center | 2000–2008 | 16,096 | 1999 | Los Angeles |
Los Angeles Cobras (1988) |
Los Angeles Sports Arena | 1988 | 14,546 | 1959 | Los Angeles |
Los Angeles Kiss | Honda Center | 2014–2016 | 17,174 | 1993 | Anaheim, California |
Massachusetts Marauders (1994) (Detroit Drive) (1988–1993) |
Worcester's Centrum Centre DCU Center (2004–present) Worcester Centrum (1987–1992) |
1994 | 12,230 | 1982 | Worcester, Massachusetts |
Joe Louis Arena | 1988–1993 | 20,066 | 1979 | Detroit, Michigan | |
Miami Vise (1987 Playtest Game) |
N/A | 1987 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Milwaukee Mustangs (1994–2001) |
Bradley Center | 1994–2001 | 17,800 | 1988 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
Milwaukee Mustangs (2011–2012) (Milwaukee Iron) (2009–2010) |
BMO Harris Bradley Center Bradley Center (1988–2012) |
2010–2012 | 17,800 | 1988 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
Minnesota Fighting Pike (1996) |
Target Center | 1996 | 17,500 | 1990 | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
Nashville Kats | Sommet Center Nashville Arena (1996–1999), (2007) Gaylord Entertainment Center (1999–2007) |
1997–2001, 2005–2007 | 16,121 | 1996 | Nashville, Tennessee |
New England Steamrollers (1988) |
Providence Civic Center Dunkin' Donuts Center (2001–present) |
1988 | 11,500 | 1972 | Providence, Rhode Island |
New Orleans Night (1991–1992) |
Louisiana Superdome | 1991–1992 | 55,675 | 1975 | New Orleans, Louisiana |
New Orleans VooDoo | Smoothie King Center New Orleans Arena (1999–2014) |
2004–2005, 2007–2008, 2011–2015 | 16,377 | 1999 | New Orleans, Louisiana |
New York Dragons (Iowa Barnstormers) |
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum | 2001–2008 | 11,950 | 1972 | Uniondale, New York |
Iowa Veterans Memorial Auditorium | 1995–2000 | 11,411 | 1955 | Des Moines, Iowa | |
New York Knights (1988) |
Madison Square Garden | 1988 | 18,200 | 1968 | New York City |
Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz | Cox Convention Center | 2010 | 13,231 | 1972 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
Oklahoma Wranglers (2000–2001) (Portland Forest Dragons) (1997–1999) (Memphis Pharaohs) (1995–1996) |
Cox Convention Center | 2000–2001 | 13,231 | UNK | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
Rose Garden | 1997–1999 | 17,544 | 1993 | Portland, Oregon | |
Pyramid Arena | 1995–1996 | 21,000 | 1991 | Memphis, Tennessee | |
Orlando Predators | |||||
Amway Center | 2011–2013, 2015–2016 | 17,200 | 2010 | Orlando, Florida | |
CFE Arena | 2014 | 9,465 | 2007 | Orlando, Florida | |
Amway Arena The Arena in Orlando (2006) TD Waterhouse Centre (1999–2006) Orlando Arena (1989–1999) |
1991–2008 | 15,924 | 1989 | Orlando, Florida | |
Philadelphia Soul | Wells Fargo Center Wachovia Center (2003–2010) First Union Center (1998–2003) CoreStates Center (1996–1998) |
2004–2019 | 17,486 | 1996 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Wachovia Spectrum | 2004–2008 (For Saturday home games) |
17,380 | 1967 | ||
Pittsburgh Gladiators | Pittsburgh Civic Arena | 1987-1990 | N/A | 1961 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
Pittsburgh Power | Consol Energy Center | 2011–2014 | 18,000 | 2010 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
Portland Steel (Portland Thunder) |
Moda Center | 2014–2016 | 20,636 | 1995 | Portland, Oregon |
Rockford Metros (1986 Playtest Game) |
Rockford MetroCentre | 1986 | 10,000 | 1981 | Rockford, Illinois |
San Antonio Force (1992) |
HemisFair Arena | 1992 | 10,146 | UNK | San Antonio, Texas |
San Antonio Talons (Tulsa Talons) |
Alamodome | 2012–2014 | 65,000 | 1993 | San Antonio, Texas |
BOK Center | 2010–2011 | 16,582 | 2008 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | |
Tulsa Convention Center | 2000–2009 | 7,111 | 1964 | ||
San Jose SaberCats | SAP Center at San Jose HP Pavilion at San Jose (2002–2013) Compaq Center at San Jose (2001–2002) San Jose Arena (1993–2001) |
1995–2015 | 16,100 | 1993 | San Jose, California |
Spokane Shock | Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena | 2010–2015 | 10,471 | 1995 | Spokane, Washington |
St. Louis Stampede (1995–1996) |
Kiel Center Scottrade Center (2006–present) Savvis Center (2000–2006) |
1995–1996 | 19,022 | 1994 | St. Louis, Missouri |
Tampa Bay Storm (Pittsburgh Gladiators) |
Amalie Arena Tampa Bay Times Forum (2011–2014) St. Pete Times Forum (2002–2011) Ice Palace (1996–2002) |
1997–2017 | 19,200 | 1996 | Tampa, Florida |
Tropicana Field Thunderdome (1993–1996) Florida Suncoast Dome (1990–1993) |
1991–1996 | 43,500 | 1990 | St. Petersburg, Florida | |
Mellon Arena | 1987–1990 | 15,924 | 1961 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | |
Toronto Phantoms (2001–2002) (New England Seawolves) (1999–2000) (New York CityHawks) (1997–1998) |
Air Canada Centre | 2001–2002 | 18,819 | 1999 | Toronto |
Hartford Civic Center | 1999–2000 | 15,635 | 1980 | Hartford, Connecticut | |
Madison Square Garden | 1997–1998 | 18,200 | 1968 | New York City | |
Utah Blaze (2006–2013) |
EnergySolutions Arena Delta Center (1991–2006) |
2006–2008, 2011–2013 | 14,000 | 1991 | Salt Lake City, Utah |
Maverik Center E Center (1997–2010) |
2010 | 10,100 | 1997 | West Valley City, Utah | |
Washington Commandos (1987, 1990) (Maryland Commandos) (1989) |
Patriot Center | 1990 | 10,000 | 1958 | Fairfax, Virginia |
Capital Centre US Airways Arena (1993–1997) |
1987, 1989 | 18,130 | 1973 | Landover, Maryland | |
Washington Valor | Capital One Arena Verizon Center (2017) |
2017–2019 | 18,506 | 1997 | Washington, D.C. |
References
[edit]- ^ "2014 Arena Football League Attendance Chart". ArenaFan.com. ArenaFan, Inc. Retrieved April 12, 2014.
- ^ "Key dates". ArenaFootball.com. Arena Football League. Retrieved 27 April 2014.