Category: Indoor Football

National Arena League 2019

National Arena League Logo [3]

Final Table

PWLTPFPAPct
Jacksonville Sharks141310800475.929
Carolina Cobras14950674433.643
Massachusetts Pirate14860677660.571
Columbus Lions14680646673.429
New York Streets144100610724.286
Orlando Predators142120398840.143

Reference: [1]

Regular Season

DateHome TeamAway Team
Week 1
13.04.2019Massachusetts Pirate22Carolina Cobras54
13.04.2019Orlando Predators42Columbus Lions40
13.04.2019Jacksonville Sharks41New York Streets52
Week 2
20.04.2019Carolina Cobras50Massachusetts Pirate22
19.04.2019Columbus Lions24Jacksonville Sharks48
20.04.2019New York Streets70Orlando Predators31
Week 3
27.04.2019Massachusetts Pirate45Orlando Predators12
Week 4
04.05.2019Carolina Cobras48New York Streets33
04.05.2019Columbus Lions63Orlando Predators22
04.05.2019Massachusetts Pirate36Jacksonville Sharks55
Week 5
11.05.2019Jacksonville Sharks35Carolina Cobras24
11.05.2019Columbus Lions67Massachusetts Pirate56
Week 6
17.05.2019Carolina Cobras60Columbus Lions32
18.05.2019Jacksonville Sharks61Orlando Predators7
18.05.2019New York Streets54Orlando Predators53
Week 7
25.05.2019Carolina Cobras69Orlando Predators72
27.05.2019New York Streets51Massachusetts Pirate70
Week 8
01.06.2019Columbus Lions43Carolina Cobras52
31.05.2019Orlando Predators20Jacksonville Sharks48
01.06.2019Massachusetts Pirate68New York streets53
Week 9
08.06.2019New York Streets41Carolina Cobras52
08.06.2019Jacksonville Sharks49Columbus Lions41
Week 10
15.06.2019Carolina Cobras29Jacksonville Sharks55
15.06.2019Orlando Predators31Massachusetts Pirate45
Week 11
22.06.2019Massachusetts Pirate50Columbus Lions59
22.06.2019Jacksonville Sharks83New York Steets51
Week 12
30.06.2019Orlando Predators0Carolina Cobras60
29.06.2019Columbus Lions37Massachusetts Pirate61
29.06.2019New York Streets42Jacksonville Sharks51
Week 13
06.07.2019Carolina Cobras70Columbus Lions28
05.07.2019Orlando Predators30Jacksonville Sharks76
05.07.2019New York Streets52Massachusetts Pirate54
Week 14
13.07.2019Carolina Cobras72Orlando Predators0
13.07.2019Columbus Lions55New York Streets19
13.07.2019Massachusetts Pirate42Jacksonville Sharks59
Week 16
21.07.2019New York Streets0Carolina Cobras46
19.07.2019Orlando Predators46Columbus Lions52
20.07.2019Jacksonville Sharks54Massachusetts Pirate47
Week 17
27.07.2019Columbus Lions46Carolina Cobras34
27.07.2019Jacksonville Sharks85Orlando Predators30
27.07.2019Massachusetts Pirate50New York Streets35

Reference: [2]

References

_______________________________________________________

Websites

[1] National Arena League (2019) National Arena League Standings [Internet] Available from: http://www.nationalarenaleague.com/ [Accessed 26 November 2019]

[2] National Arena League (2018) Schedules [Internet] Available from: http://www.nationalarenaleague.com/schedules/nal-full-schedule.html [Accessed 16 September 2017]

Images

[3] National Arena League (2018) logo [Internet] Available from: http://www.nationalarenaleague.com/images/logo.png [Accessed 26 November 2019]

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Todd Zboyan & Tim Leadingham.

About this document

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 26 November 2019

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2019

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved.

Indoor Football League 2019

Indoor Football League Standings and Schedule

Standings

PWLTPFPAPct
*Arizona Rattlers1414008795101.000
*Iowa Barnstormers141220716522.857
*Sioux Falls Storm141130738589.786
*Green Bay Blizzard14950590521.643
*Nebraska Danger14770714656.500
*Tucson Sugar Skulls14770728705.500
Quad Cities Steamwheelers14680709650.429
Bismarck Bucks142120474751.143
Cedar Rapids River Kings141130413730.071
San Diego Strike Force141130524871.071

Reference: [1]

Playoffs

DateHome TeamAway Team
1st Round Playoffs
21.06.2019Green Bay Blizzard40Nebraska Dangers45
23.06.2019Sioux Falls Storm50Tucson Sugar Skulls47
United Conference Championship
29.06.2019Iowa Barnstormers50Sioux Falls Storm52
Intense Conference Championship
29.06.2019Arizona Rattlers62Nebraska Danger45
United Bowl Championship Game
13.07.2019Arizona Rattlers53Sioux Falls Storm56

Reference: [2]

Regular Season Results

DateHome TeamAway Team
Week 1
22.02.2019Quad Cities Steamwheelers66San Diego Strke Force50
23.02.2019Cedar Rapids River Kings44Sioux Falls Storm47
23.02.2019Nebraska Danger66Bismarck Bucks44
24.02.2019Green Bay Blizzard21Arizona Rattlers51
Week 2
01.03.2019Green Bay Blizzard53Nebraska Danger52
03.03.2019Quad Cities Steamwheelers39Iowa Barnstormers53
03.03.2019Arizona Rattlers81Cedar Rapids River Kings37
03.03.2019San Diego Strike Force44Tucson Sugar Skulls65
Week 3
09.03.2019Nebraska Danger36Sioux Falls Storm55
09.03.2019Cedar Rapids River Kings65San Diego Strike Force48
09.03.2019Iowa Barnstormers41Green Bay Blizzard3
10.03.2019Tucson Sugar Skulls62Bismarck Bucks42
Week 4
15.03.2019Cedar Rapids River Kings36Quad Cities Steamwheelers58
16.03.2019Bismarck Bucks18Sioux Falls Storm52
16.03.2019Arizona Rattlers63Tucson Sugar Skulls28
Week 5
22.03.2019Sioux Falls Storm66Quad Cities Steamwheelers52
23.03.2019Nebraska Danger55Iowa Barnstormers58
24.03.2019San Diego Strike Force45Green Bay Blizzard53
Week 6
29.03.2019Quad Cities Steamwheelers26Green Bay Blizzard29
30.03.2019Bismarck Bucks35Nebraska Danger50
30.03.2019Cedar Rapids River Kings20Iowa Barnstormers41
31.03.2019Tucson Sugar Skulls51San Diego Strike Force31
31.03.2019Arizona Rattlers58Sioux Falls Storm40
Week 7
05.04.2019Green Bay Blizzard53Quad Cities Steamwheelers47
06.04.2019Bismarck Bucks31Sioux Falls Storm64
06.04.2019Arizona Rattlers91San Diego Strike Force58
06.04.2019Iowa Barnstormers59Cedar Rapids River Kings48
06.04.2019Nebraska Danger53Tucson Sugar Skulls47
Week 8
13.04.2019Green Bay Blizzard60Nebraska Danger50
14.04.2019Bismarck Bucks16Iowa Barnstormers55
14.04.2019Tucson Sugar Skulls41Arizona Rattlers55
14.04.2019San Diego Strike Force40Cedar Rapids River Kings34
Week 9
20.04.2019Cedar Rapids River Kings25Bismarck Bucks40
20.04.2019Nebraska Danger47Green Bay Blizzard40
20.04.2019Siuox Falls Storm36Iowa Barnstormers32
20.04.2019Quad Cities Steamwheelers72Tucson Sugar Skulls54
22.04.2019San Diego Strike Force14Arizona Rattlers52
Week 10
26.04.2019Nebraska Danger66Cedar Rapids River Kings42
27.04.2019Sioux Falls Storm50Arizona Rattlers63
27.04.2019Tucson Sugar Skulls58Iowa Barnstormers61
28.04.2019Bismarck Bucks50Quad Cities Steamwheelers48
Week 11
04.05.2019Arizona Rattlers56Nebraska Dangers46
04.05.2019Green Bay Blizzard48Bismarck Bucks39
04.05.2019Iowa Barnstormers43Cedar Rapids River Kings18
04.05.2019Quad Cities Steamwheelers46Sioux Falls Storm59
04.05.2019Tucson Sugar Skulls54San Diego Strike Force34
Week 12
09.05.2019San Diego Strike Force48Tucson Sugar Skulls65
11.05.2019Iowa Barnstormers59Quad Cities Steamwheelers56
11.05.2019Siuox Falls Storm44Green Bay Blizzard37
Week 13
18.05.2019Bismarck Bucks40Tucson Sugar Skulls52
18.05.2019Sioux Falls Storm57Nebraska Danger56
19.05.2019Green Bay Blizzard49Iowa Bzarnstormers54
19.05.2019San Diego Strike Force63Arizona Rattlers84
Week 14
24.05.2019Iowa Barnstormers65Bismarck Bucks35
24.05.2019Nebraska Danger37Quad Cities Steamwheelers43
25.05.2019Tucson Sugar Skulls47Arizona Rattlers62
Week 15
01.06.2019Bismarck Bucks10Green Bay Blizzard41
01.06.2019Cedar Rapids River Kings0Arizona Rattlers56
01.06.2019Sioux Falls Storm60San Diego Strike Force7
Week 16
06.06.2019San Diego Strike Force26Nebraska Danger54
07.06.2019Quad Cities Steamwheelers58Bismarck Bucks20
08.06.2019Arizona Rattlers50Tucson Sugar Skulls49 ot
08.06.2019Cedar Rapids River Kings15Green Bay Blizzard56
08.06.2019Iowa Barnstormers55Sioux Falls Storm53
Week 17
15.06.2019Arizona Rattlers57San Diego Strike Force16
15.06.2019Green Bay Blizzard47Cedar Rapids River Kings0
15.06.2019Siuox Falls Storm65Bismarck Bucks54
15.06.2019Iowa Barnstormers40Nebraska Danger46
15.06.2019Tucson Sugar Skulls55Quad Cities Steamwheelers50

Reference: [2]

Team Geographic Map

2019 IFL Geographic Map [3]

Report

Sioux Falls Storm shocked the previously unbeaten Arizona Rattlers 56-53 in the United Bowl to win their 10th United Bowl, extending their record.

Arizona had finished 14-0 in Regular Season play, and Iowa Barnstormers 12-2 in second. Sioux Falls beat both of these one-time AAA Arena Football League teams on the way to the title after winning against Tucson Sugar Skulls (50-47) in the First Round Playoffs.

The United Conference Championship game was also extremely close, with the Storm beating Nebraska Danger 52-50. In the Intense Conference Championship Arizona Rattlers had beaten Nebraska Danger 62-45. Nebraska had earlier beaten Green Bay Blizzard 45-40 in the Playoffs.

Six of the 10 teams made the playoffs, with Quad Cities Steamwheelers just missing out of a spot in the post-season with a 6-8 record. Bismarck Bucks (2-12), Cedar Rapids River Kings (1-13) and San Diego Strike Force (1-13) won a total of 4 games between them.

About

The Indoor Football League is a AA American Football League played Reduced Numbers (8v8) Arena Football in the Western MidWest & American Southwest.

Reduced Numbers American Football is Full Contact Kittec Football, but with less players designed for smaller localities & regions with less population in the USA.

References

Websites

[1] Indoor Football League (2019) Standings [Internet] Available from: https://www.goifl.com/sports/fball/2018-19/standings [Accesed 27 October 2019]

[2] Indoor Football League (2019) Schedule [Internet] Available from: https://www.goifl.com/sports/fball/2018-19/schedule [Accesed 27 October 2019]

Images

[3] Indoor Football League | Wayback Machine (2019) 2019 Indoor Football League | Geographic Map [Internet] Available from: https://web.archive.org/web/20190708201232/https://www.goifl.com/members/Geographic_Map [Accesed 27 October 2019]

[4] SportsLogos.net (2019) Indoor Football League Alternate Logo (2009-2019) [Internet] Available from: http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/159/4848/full/982_-indoor_football_league-alternate-2009.gif [Accesed 27 October 2019]

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Bart Barden & Sam Thompson

About this document

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 18 January 2025. First Published: 27 October 2019

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2019

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Resereved.

National Arena League 2017-Present

National Arena League Logo [Reference: 6]

NAL 2017

 PWLTPFPAPct
Jacksonville Sharks121110697299.917
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks10910610349.900
Columbus Lions12930689412.750
Monterrey Steel11740478364.636
High Country Grizzlies10370449484.300
Georgia Firebirds11290372576.182
Dayton Wolfpack7070125478.000
Corpus Christi Rage9090166624.000
National Arena League standings 2017 [Reference: 1]


DateHome Team Away Team 

NAL 2018

 PWLTPFPAPct
Massachusetts Pirate161150878687.688
Carolina Cobras151050876585.667
Jacksonville Sharks161060706687.625
Columbus Lions15870772711.467
Maine Mammoths15780596618.467
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks150150356896.000
National arena League Standings 2018 [Reference: 3]


Home Team Away Team 
Playoffs 11/14 August 2017 
Carolina Cobras73Jacksonville Sharks48
Massachusetts Pirate36Columbus Lions50
Final 27 August 2018 
Carolina Cobras66Columbus Lions8
National Arena League Playoffs 2018 [Reference: 4]

NAL 2019

PWLTPFPAPct
Jacksonville Sharks141310800475.929
Carolina Cobras14950674433.643
Massachusetts Pirate14860677660.571
Columbus Lions14680646673.429
New York Streets144100610724.286
Orlando Predators142120398840.143
National Arena League Standings 2019 [Reference: 5]

References

Websites

[1] National Arena League (2017) NAL – 2017 REGULAR SEASON | Standings / Schedules [Internet] Available from: http://www.thestatsguys.com/NAL/2017/CONFSKED.HTM [Accessed 16 September 2017]

[3] National Arena League (2018) NAL – 2018 REGULAR SEASON | Standings / Schedules [Internet] Available from: http://www.thestatsguys.com/NAL/2018/CONFSKED.HTM [Accessed 16 September 2017]

[5] National Arena League (2019) National Arena League Standings [Internet] Available from: http://www.nationalarenaleague.com/ [Accessed 26 November 2019]

Images

[6] National Arena League (2018) logo [Internet] Available from: http://www.nationalarenaleague.com/images/logo.png [Accessed 26 November 2019]

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Todd Zboyan & Tim Leadingham.

About this document

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 12 February 2020

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2020

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved.

Champions Indoor Football 2015-Present

Champions Indoor Football Logo [Reference: 9]

Champions Indoor Football 2015

 PWLTPFPAPct
Sioux City Bandits141130856649.786
Texas Revolution14950738578.643
Wichita Force13850580575.615
Dodge City Law12750635575.583
Duke City Gladiators9540477401.556
Salina Bombers11650538479.545
Amarillo Venom13760699681.538
San Angelo Bandits111100386627.091
Omaha Beef121110395627.083
Champions Indoor Football Standings 2015 [Reference: 1]
DateHome Team Away Team 
 Playoffs – Semi-Finals   
11.06.15Texas Revolution39Wichita Force27
13.06.15Sioux City Bandits83Amarillo Venom52
 CIF Championship Game   
20.06.15Sioux City Bandits83Texas Revolution61
Champions Indoor Football Playoffs [Reference: 1]

Champions Indoor Football 2016

 PWLTPFPAPct
Northern Conference       
Wichita Force141220693612.857
Sioux City Bandits13760544499.538
Omaha Beef12750514487.583
Bloomington Edge14860662537.571
Chicago Eagles12390486584.250
Salina Liberty122100413575.167
Southern Conference       
Texas Revolution131030867682.769
Amarillo Venom151050842768.667
Dodge City Law13850709621.615
Duke City Gladiators12660568573.500
San Angelo Bandits122100537688.167
Mesquite Marshals122100479688.167
Champions Indoor Football Standings 2016 [Reference: 2]
DateHome Team Away Team 
 Conference Semi-Finals   
11.06.16Bloomington Edge65Sioux City Bandits45
11.06.16Amarillo Venom98Dodge City Law56
 Conference Championship Games   
18.06.16Wichita Force52Bloomington Edge51
18.06.16Amarillo Venom57Texas Revolution53
 CIF Championship Game   
27.06.16Wichita Force48Amarillo Venoom45
Champions Indoor Football Playoffs 2016 [Reference: 2]

Champions Indoor Football 2017

 PWLTPFPAPct
North       
Sioux City Bandits141040831697.714
Omaha Beef14950659637.643
Bloomington Edge13760626605.538
Bismarck Bucks13580583650.385
West Michigan Ironmen12480568570.333
Kansas City Phantoms12480501592.333
Salina Liberty121110402546.083
South       
Amarillo Venom131030828687.769
Dodge City Law13940689638.692
Texas Revolution13940786643.692
Dallas Marshals12750542567.583
Duke City Gladiators13760703582.538
Wichita Force12750567480.583
Centex Cavalry120120420811.000
Champions Indoor Football Standings 2017 [Reference: 3]
DateHome Team Away Team 

Champions Indoor Football 2018

 PWLTPFPAPct
North       
Sioux City Bandits151140810618.733
Salina Liberty141040722558.714
Quad Cities Steamwheelers13850680545.615
Bismarck Bucks13580620667.385
Omaha Beef12480526617.333
Kansas City Phantoms12390538751.250
South       
Duke City Gladiators151320742527.867
Amarillo Venom13850665561.615
Texas Revolution14680495542.429
Wichita Force13490529608.308
Dallas Marshals10190192393.100
Champions Indoor Football Standings 2018 [Reference: 4]
DateHome Team Away Team 
 Quarter-Finals   
16.07.18Salina Liberty81Bismarck Bucks51
16.07.18Duke City Gladiators50Wichita Force39
16.07.18Sioux City Bandits54Quad Cities Steamwheelers46
18.07.18Amarillo Venom45Texas Revolution56
 Semi-Finals   
23.07.18Salina Liberty39Sioux City Bandits45
25.07.18Duke City Gladiators41Texas Revolution28
 CIF Championship Game   
30.07.18Duke City Gladiators31Sioux City Bandits27
Champions Indoor Football Playoffs 2018 [Reference: 5]

CIF 2019

PWLTPFPAPct
Northern
*Salina Liberty14950682603.643
Omaha Beef13850578503.615
Sioux City Bandits12750692592.583
Wichita Force122100380663.167
Southern
*Duke City Gladiators141130830468.786
*Amarillo Venom13850756720.615
Texas Revolution9450269253.444
Oklahoma Flying Aces122100457630.167
NTX Savages303028241.000
Champions Indoor Football Standings 2019 [Reference: 6]

Note: Playoff Results counted in Standings. Note 2: Texas Revolution folded after 6 weeks – remaining 4 home games awarded 2-0 to opponents # and 3 remaining road games replaced by the NTX Savages.

Playoffs

DateHome TeamAway Team
Semi-Finals
29.06.2019Salina Liberty44Omaha Beef42
29.06.2019Duke City Gladiators70Amarillo Venom62
CIF Champions Bowl V
13.07.2019Duke City Gladiators35Salina Liberty29
Champions Indoor Football Playoffs 2019 [Reference: 7-8]

About the CIF

The Champions Indoor Football is a AA (Third Level) American Football League based primarily in the Southern & Southwestern States of the USA and Prairie States of the Mid-West. It is one of 4 AA Indoor Football Leagues in the USA, the others in the Eastern Seaboard (National Arena League & American Arena League) and West (American West Football Conference).

About Arena / Indoor Football

Indoor (also known as Arena) Football plays an 8 v 8 version of American Football on a converted Ice Hockey Rink 50-yards long with 2 10 -yard endzones. Teams have 5 downs (attempts) to score or the ball is turned over – 3 of which must be passing plays. It is therefore a higher scoring game than standard 11 v 11 American Football. The main difference between Arena Football and Indoor Football is that there is no rebound net either side of the goalposts in Indoor Football. Arena Football rules allow the ball stay in play when it comas back off the rebound nets.

References

Websites

[1] Champions Indoor Football (2015) 2015 CIF Standings/Schedule [Internet] Available from: http://stats.gocif.net/2015stats/confsked.htm [Accessed 30 November 2016]

[2] Champions Indoor Football (2016) 2016 CIF Standings/Schedule [Internet] Available from: http://stats.gocif.net/2016stats/confsked.htm [Accessed ]

[3] Champions Indoor Football (2015) 2017 Standings [Internet] Available from: http://gocifstats.com/sports/fball/2016-17/standings [Accessed 18 June 2017]

[4] Champions Indoor Football (2015) 2018 Champions Indoor Football Standings [Internet] Available from: http://gocifstats.com/sports/fball/2017-18/standings [Accessed 26 August 2018]

[5] Champions Indoor Football (2015) Composite Calendar [Internet] Available from: http://gocifstats.com/composite?y=2018&m=06 [Accessed 26 August 2018]

[6] Champions Indoor Football (2019) 2019 Football Standings [Internet] Available from: https://gocifstats.com/sports/fball/2018-19/standings [Accessed 26 November 2019]

[7] Champions Indoor Football (2019) 2019 Composite Schedule Sat Jul 13 [Internet] Available from: https://gocifstats.com/composite [Accessed  26 November 2019]

[8] Champions Indoor Football (2019) 2019 Composite Schedule Sat Jun 29 [Internet] Available from: https://gocifstats.com/composite?d=2019-06-29 %5BAccessed  26 November 2019]

Images

[9] Champions Indoor Football (2019) logo [Internet] Available from: http://gocif.net/images/logo.png %5BAccessed  26 November 2019]

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Todd Zboyan & Tim Leadingham.

About this document

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 12 February 2020

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2020

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved.

Arena Football League 1992-2000

AFL 1992

TeamPWLTPFPAPct
Northern Division
*Detroit Drive10820488314.800
*Cincinnati Rockers10730451341.700
*Albany Firebirds10550422416.500
*Cleveland Thunderbolts10460311362.400
Southern Division
*Orlando Predators10910484281.900
*Tampa Bay Storm10910472354.900
Charlotte Rage10370357320.300
New Orleans Night100100258491.000
Western Division
*Dallas Texans10550354383.500
*Sacramento Attack10460354395.400
Arizona Rattlers10460319420.400
San Antonio Force10280268461.200

Reference: [1]

Quarter-Finals
Orlando Predators50Cleveland Thunderbolts12
Detroit Drive48Sacramento Attack23
Dallas Texans48Albany Firebirds45
Tampa Bay Storm41Cincinnati Rockers36
Semi-Finals
Detroit Drive57Dallas Texans14
Orlando Predators24Tampa Bay Storm21 OT
Arena Bowl VI
Detroit Drive56Orlando Predators38

Reference: [1]

AFL 1993

TeamPWLTPFPAPct
American Conference
*Detroit Drive121110506372.917
*Arizona Rattlers12750486489.583
*Dallas Texans12390454551.250
Cincinnati Rockers122100394525.167
Cleveland Thunderbolts122100357484.167
National Conference
*Orlando Predators121020526355.833
*Tampa Bay Storm12930571389.750
*Charlotte Rage12660440509.500
*Miami Hooters12570429481.417
*Albany Firebirds12570482490.417

Reference: [1]

Quarter-Finals
Orlando Predators41Miami Hooters13
Tampa Bay Storm48Albany Firebirds34
Detroit Drive51Dallas Texans6
Arizona Rattlers56Charlotte Rage49
Semi-Finals
Detroit Drive38Arizona Rattlers34
Tampa Bay Storm55Orlando Predators52
Arena Bowl VII
Tampa Bay Storm51Detroit Drive31

Reference: [1]

AFL 1994

TeamPWLTPFPAPct
American Conference
*Albany Firebirds121020642507.833
*Arizona Rattlers12840525449.667
*Massachusetts Marauders12840586504.667
*Las Vegas Sting12570382487.417
Cleveland Thunderbolts122100445548.167
Milwaukee Mustangs120120376609.000
National Conference
*Orlando Predators121110595341.917
*Tampa Bay Storm12750561564.583
*Charlotte Rage12570442521.417
*Fort Worth Cavalry12570559490.417
Miami Hooters12570398491.417

Reference: [1]

Quarter-Finals
Arizona Rattlers53Charlotte Rage24
Albany Firebirds49Las Vegas Sting30
Orlando Predators34Fort Worth Cavalry13
Massachusetts Marauders 58Tampa Bay Storm51
Semi-Finals
Orlando Predators51Massachusetts Marauders42
Arizona Rattlers40Albany Firebirds33
Arena Bowl VIII
Arizona Rattlers36Orlando Predators31

Reference: [1]

AFL 1995

TeamPWLTPFPAPct
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Central Division
*St. Louis Stampede 12930519533.750
*Iowa Barnstormers12750593511.583
*Memphis Pharaohs12660459491.500
Milwaukee Mustangs12480541619.333
Western Division
*San Jose Sabercats12840524412.667
*Arizona Rattlers12750599587.583
Las Vegas Sting12660532498.500
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
*Albany Firebirds12750649560.583
Charlotte Rage12570446519.417
Connecticut Coyotes121110409591.083
Southern Division
*Tampa Bay Storm121020605378.833
*Orlando Predators12750542471.583
Miami Hooters121110361609.083

Reference: [1]

Quarter-Finals
Tampa Bay Storm53Memphis Pharaohs41
Albany Firebirds51St. Louis Stampede49
Orlando Predators55San Jose Sabercats37
Iowa Barnstormers56Arizona Rattlers52
Semi-Finals
Tampa Bay Storm56Albany Firebirds49
Orlando Predators56Iowa Barnstormers49
Arena Bowl IX
Tampa Bay Storm48Orlando Predators35

Reference: [1]

AFL 1996

TeamPWLTPFPAPct
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Central Division
*Iowa Barnstormers141220712601.857
*Milwaukee Mustangs141040704566.714
*St. Louis Stampede14860706627.571
Memphis Pharaohs140140400688.000
Western Division
*Arizona Rattlers141130736646.786
*Anaheim Piranhas14950602505.643
San Jose Sabercats14680536540.429
Minnesota Fighting Pike144100471706.286
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
*Albany Firebirds141040873622.714
Charlotte Rage14590591643.357
Connecticut Coyotes142120540695.167
Southern Division
*Tampa Bay Storm141220698504.857
*Orlando Predators14950651572.643
Florida Bobcats14680598593.429
Texas Terror141130421731.071

Reference: [1]

Quarter-Finals
Tampa Bay Storm30Anaheim Piranhas16
Iowa Barnstormers52St. Louis Stampede49
Albany Firebirds79Milwaukee Mustangs59
Arizona Rattlers65Orlando Predators48
Semi-Finals
Tampa Bay Storm55Arizona Rattlers54
Iowa Barnstormers62Albany Firebirds55
Arena Bowl X
Tampa Bay Storm42Iowa Barnstormers38

Reference: [1]

AFL 1997

TeamPWLTPFPAPct
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Central Division
*Iowa Barnstormers141130803645.786
*Milwaukee Mustangs14860669667.571
Texas Terror14680733756.429
Portland Forest Dragons142120446701.143
Western Division
*Arizona Rattlers141220713540.857
*San Jose Sabercats14860548563.571
Anaheim Piranhas142120615735.143
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
*Nashville Kats141040740660.714
*New Jersey Red Dogs14950660596.643
Albany Firebirds14680745714.429
New York CityHawks142120522691.143
Southern Division
*Orlando Predators141040678505.714
*Tampa Bay Storm14860548521.571
Florida Bobcats144100519645.429

Reference: [1]

Quarter-Finals
Orlando Predators45New Jersey Red Dogs37
Iowa Barnstormers68San Jose Sabercats59
Arizona Rattlers46Minnesota Fighting Pike29
Tampa Bay Storm52Nashville Kats49
Semi-Finals
Iowa Barnstormers52Orlando Predators34
Arizona Rattlers49Tampa Bay Storm46 OT
Arena Bowl XI
Arizona Rattlers55Iowa Barnstormers33

Reference: [1]

AFL 1998

TeamPWLTPFPAPct
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Central Division
*Houston ThunderBears14860734732.571
Milwaukee Mustangs14770719718.500
Iowa Barnstormers14590582716.357
Grand Rapids Rampage143110550710.214
Western Division
*Arizona Rattlers141040786650.714
*San Jose Sabercats14770659643.500
Portland Forest Dragons144100677762.286
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
*Albany Firebirds141040793692.714
*New Jersey Red Dogs14860679699.571
New York CityHawks143110568717.214
Southern Division
*Tampa Bay Storm141220794513.857
*Orlando Predators14950655623.643
*Nashville Kats14950711659.643
Florida Bobcats143110637710.214

Reference: [1]

Quarter-Finals
Orlando Predators58Nashville Kats43
Arizona Rattlers50Houston ThunderBears36
Tampa Bay Storm65San Jose Sabercats46
New Jersey Red Dogs66Albany Firebirds59
Semi-Finals
Tampa Bay Storm49New Jersey Red Dogs23
Orlando Predators38Arizona Rattlers33
Arena Bowl XII
Orlando Predators62Tampa Bay Storm31

Reference: [1]

AFL 1999

TeamPWLTPFPAPct
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Central Division
*Iowa Barnstormers141130750643.786
*Grand Rapids Rampage14860726654.571
*Milwaukee Mustangs14770621721.500
Houston ThunderBears144100742815.286
Western Division
*Arizona Rattlers141040749639.714
Portland Forest Dragons14770613597.500
San Jose Sabercats14680712746.429
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
*Albany Firebirds141130822674.786
New Jersey Red Dogs14680583666.429
New England Sea Wolves14590647723.357
Buffalo Destroyers141130467642.071
Southern Division
*Tampa Bay Storm141130690488.786
*Nashville Kats14860754710.571
*Orlando Predators14770634646.500
Florida Bobcats143110555701.214

Reference: [1]

Quarter-Finals
Orlando Predators41Tampa Bay Storm19
Albany Firebirds55Grand Rapids Rampage45
Arizona Rattlers34Nashville Kats30
Iowa Barnstormers66Milwaukee Mustangs34
Semi-Finals
Orlando Predators48Iowa Barnstormers41
Albany Firebirds73Arizona Rattlers47
Arena Bowl XIII
Albany Firebirds59Orlando Predators48

Reference: [1]

AFL 2000

TeamPWLTPFPAPct
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Central Division
*Iowa Barnstormers14950797677.643
*Milwaukee Mustangs14770750714.500
*Grand Rapids Rampage14680628721.429
Houston ThunderBears143110709810.214
Western Division
*San Jose Sabercats141220871648.857
*Arizona Rattlers141220727592.857
*Oklahoma Wranglers14770654605.500
Los Angeles Avengers143110659831.214
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
*Albany Firebirds14950815706.643
*New England Sea Wolves14950694696.643
*Buffalo Destroyers14590615767.357
New Jersey Red Dogs144100698773.286
Southern Division
*Orlando Predators141130663568.786
*Nashville Kats14950671593.643
*Tampa Bay Storm14860657598.571
Carolina Cobras143110641783.214
Florida Bobcats143110537704.214

Reference: [1]

First Round
Arizona Rattlers41Buffalo Destroyers34
Oklahoma Wranglers52New England Sea Wolves38
Nashville Kats57Grand Rapids Rampage14
Tampa Bay Storm72Milwaukee Mustangs64
Quarter-Finals
Orlando Predators34Tampa Bay Storm24
San Jose Sabercats63Oklahoma Wranglers40
Arizona Rattlers53Albany Firebirds50
Nashville Kats63Iowa Destroyers56
Semi-Finals
Nashville Kats51San Jose Sabercats42
Orlando Predators56Arizona Rattlers44
Arensa Bowl XIV
Orlando Predators41Nashville Kats38

Reference: [1]

Report

A period of rapid expansion in the early 1990s, coupled with stability afterwards saw the Arena Football League become what the Wall Street Journal called the ‘Fifth Major’.

Detroit Drive won Arena Bowl VI in 1992, defeating Orlando Predators 52-38, but were unable to repeat as they lost Arena Bowl VII the following year to Tampa Bay Storm, on a 51-31 scoeline.

Orlando were defeated finalists again in 1994, losing to Arizona Rattlers this time, 36-31. In 1995, they lost their third Arena Bowl in four years, as Tampa Bay Storm won 48-35 in Arena Bowl IX.

Tampa Bay repeated in 1996, winning Arena Bowl X 42-38 over Iowa Barnstormers, and like in 1994, this was followed by an Arizona Rattlers triumph, 55-33 over Iowa, who lost their second Arena Bowl in a row.

Orlando Predators finally overcame their Arena Bowl jinx, winning the 12th edition 62-31 in a comprehensive victory over Florida rivals Tampa Bay Storm. They were unable to repeat the feat in 1999, as Albany Firebirds finally won the Bowl, defeating Orlando 59-48.

Orlando appeared in their third Arena Bowl in a row in 2000, winning the title 41-38 in a close encounter with Nashville Kats.

A rival Indoor Football League, the Professional Indoor Football League had started in 1999, and the Arena Football League took them to court, arguing it was a breach of the copyright awarded to them, however the Judge ruled the copyright was restricted to the rebound nets either side of the goalposts and eveything else was just Football, and therefore not under copyright.

This opened the door for a flood of rival Arena Leagues, and the AFL responded by starting its own development league, the AF2. This, however, was an over-expansion, and the League was no longer the main Major League rival to the NFL, the spot now taken by the XFL, which had garnered a Major TV Network deal.

References:

Sources:

[1] Arena Football League (2016) 2016 Record and Factbook pp. 67-83 / 52.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Fiona Corrigan, Caoimhe Mullaney, Alan Delaney, Alan Grey, Elise McManus, Ian Breathnach, Donie, Mark Mahon.

About this document

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

World Gridiron Archive

Last Updated: 18 March 2019

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and World Gridiron Archive 2019

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Resereved.

Arena Football League 1987-1991

AFL 1986-87

DateHome TeamAway Team
Test Game
27.04.1986Rockford Metros30Chicago Politicians18
Showcase Game
27.02.1987Chicago Bruisers30Miami Vice33
[References: 4-5]

AFL 1987

PWLTPFPAPct
Pittsburgh Gladiators6420268199.667
Denver Dynamite6420261252.667
Chicago Bruisers6240217310.333
Washington Commandos6240288273.333

Reference: [1]

Home TeamAway Team
Arena Bowl I
Denver Dynamite45Pittsburgh Gladiators16

Reference: [1]

AFL 1988

PWLTPFPAPct
*Chicago Bruisers121011526374.792
*Detroit Drive12930472310.750
*Pittsburgh Gladiators12660507491.500
*Los Angeles Cobras12561463449.458
New England Steamrollers12390330506.250
New York Knights122100337505.167

Reference: [1]

Home TeamAway Team
Semi-Finals
Detroit Drive34Pittsburgh Gladiators25
Chicago Bruisers29Los Angeles Cobras16
Arena Bowl II
Detroit Drive24Chicago Bruisers13

Reference: [1]

AFL 1989

PWLTPFPAPct
*Detroit Drive431015484.750
*Denver Dynamite4310159147.750
*Pittsburgh Gladiators4310159147.750
*Chicago Bruisers4130167155.250
Maryland Commandos404079170.000

Reference: [1]

Home TeamAway Team
Semi-Finals
Detroit Drive43Chicago Bruisers10
Pittsburgh Gladiators39Denver Dynamite37
Arena Bowl III
Detroit Drive39Pittsburgh Gladiators26

Reference: [1]

AFL 1990

PWLTPFPAPct
*Detroit Drive8620326215.750
*Dallas Texans8620299308.750
*Denver Dynamite8440289287.500
*Pittsburgh Gladiators8350289287.375
Albany Firebirds8350188268.375
Washington Commandos8260244264.250

Reference: [1]

Home TeamAway Team
First Round
Detroit Drive61Pittsburgh Gladiators30
Dallas Texans26Denver Dynamite25
Arena Bowl IV
Detroit Drive51Dallas Texans27

Reference: [1]

AFL 1991

PWLTPFPAPct
*Detroit Drive10910437262.900
*Tampa Bay Storm10820421309.800
*Denver Dynamite10640389365.600
*Albany Firebirds10640427342.600
Dallas Texans10460286334.400
New Orleans Night10460314401.400
Orlando Predators10370321363.300
Columbus Thunderbolts100100241460.000

Reference: [1]

Home TeamAway Team
Semi-Finals
Detroit Drive37Albany Firebirds35
Tampa Bay Storm40Denver Dynamite13
Arena Bowl V
Tampa Ba Storm48Detroit Drive42

Reference: [1]

Report

On February 11, 1981, James Foster witnessed an Indoor Soccer game at Madison Square Garden, and drew out the outline of an Indoor American Football field on a manilla envelope, using the same basic premise of a football field on a converted Ice Hockey rink. [2]

The first AFL test game was held on 27 April 1986 in Rockford, Illinois between the Rockford Metros and Chicago Politicians , and following positive public response the first “showcase game” in Chicago in front of 8,200 fans on February 27, 1987. [2]

The AFL debut season began on 19 June 1987, with four teams: Chicago Bruisers, Denver Dynamite, Pittsburgh Gladiators & Washington Comandos. Denver Dynamite won Arena Bowl I, defeating Pittsburgh Gladiators 45-16 [2]

The second AFL season featued an additional three teams: Los Angeles Cobras, New England Steamrollers & New York Knights, who played only that season. Washington Commandos sat out the season Detroit Drive won Arena Bowl II, 24-13 over Chicago Bruisers. [2]

The third AFL season, in 1989, was a shortened four-game season, with five teams, including the returned Commandos, now playing in Maryland. Detroit again won the Arena Bowl, beating Pittsburgh 39-26. Following the season, the league played two successful exhibition games in Paris (France) & London (England). THE US Patent office granted the league a Patent, making it the first patented, rival-free sports league in history. [2]

the fourth AFL season, saw an expansion of two teams: Albany Firebirds & Dallas Texans, with Chicago dropping out. Detroit Drive won the Arena Bowl for the third year in succession, defeating Dallas 51-27. [2]

A further expansion in 1991, saw teams added in Orlando (Predators) and New Orleans (Night) and Columbus (Thunderbolts), with Pittsburgh relocating to Tampa Bay, becoming the Storm and the Commandos ceasing operation.The league’s expansion into the Southeast would prove enduringly successful, with the Tampa Bay & Orlando franchises remaing in existence right through to the league’s waning years in the late-2010s. Detroit was defeated in the Arena Bowl 48-42 by the Tampa Bay Storm, ending the Drive’s attempts at a four-in-a-row. [2]

In 1992 the league expanded to 12 teams and three divisions, ending the AFL’s formative years, and beginning the AFL’s rise to become what the Wall Street Journal called the fifth Major [2].

References:

Bibliography

[1] Arena Football League (2016) “2016 Record and Fact Book” pp. 57-65.

[2] Arena Football League (2016) “2016 Record and Fact Book” pp. 52-56.

Social Media

[3] Arena Fan Facebook Page (2021) Post, April 27, 1987 [Internet] Available from: https://www.facebook.com/arenafan/posts/10160818695018222 [Accessed 4 June 2021]

Websites

[4] Arena Fan (2021) History 1986 Schedule [Internet] Available from: http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=yearly&histleague=1&fpage=schedule&year=1986 [Accessed 4 June 2021]

[5] Arena Fan (2021) History 1987 Schedule [Internet] Available from: http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=yearly&histleague=1&fpage=schedule&year=1987 [Accessed 4 June 2021]

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Richard Conville, Conor Lynch, Maurice Lynch, Dylan Brennan, Jonathan Brennan, Simon Brennan & Robert Byron.

About this document

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball – Irish North American & World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 4 June 2021

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and World Gridiron Archive 2021

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved. The Logos and Photos used in this article remain the property of the organisations and individuals which own the copyright and are used here for educational and information purposes only.