Professional football is officially back in Memphis!
On Wednesday afternoon, league officials, local business leaders, and NFL Hall of Famer Tim Brown gathered at the Aldo’s Pizza Pies in the Cooper Young neighborhood in Memphis to announce the arrival of a brand-new The Arena League (TAL) team in Memphis. The team’s identity is to Memphians themselves.
“Right now, we’re just the Memphis arena football team. But we want you to help us change that. Go to memphisarenafootball.com and submit your ideas. We’re launching a community-wide naming contest.”
So far, locals have already thrown out some very Memphis-style contenders: “Memphis Magic,” “The Grindfathers,” “Memphis Mud,” and the hilariously creative “Marching Mallards of Memphis,” inspired by the famous Peabody Hotel ducks.
⚡ A Faster, Louder, More Interactive Football Experience
Forget what you know about traditional football. The Arena League is rewriting the rules for speed and fan engagement.
“We got rid of the kickers,” Brown said with a grin. “No punts, no field goals just nonstop action. We start every game with a throw-off instead of a kickoff. It’s faster, it’s cleaner, and fans love it.”
That means games that open with 25-point first quarters, hits that come closer to the crowd, and scoring that never stops.
Each team fields seven players, and every game promises high-octane action, more touchdowns, and more interaction.
“In the NFL, you score 25 points and you win. In The Arena League, if you only score 25 points in the first quarter, you’re probably losing.”
🎟️ The Memphis Sports and Events Center: A Perfect Fit
Home games will take place at the Memphis Sports and Events Center (MSEC), located at Liberty Park, and it’s designed to put fans closer to the action than ever before.
“If you’re sitting in a field-level suite, just know a player will probably land in your lap. That’s part of the fun.”
The venue features:
- 2,500 fixed seats
- 33+ field-level boxes for groups of 8
- 4 premium suites
- And even more seating right up against the walls, where players frequently dive into the stands mid-play.
Fans can look forward to waitress service, premium parking, and tailgate-style experiences that turn every game into a community event.
“With the Tigers playing strong and the city’s football appetite growing, the timing couldn’t be better.”
🍕 Local Partnerships Power the Team
From barbecue to beer, this football team is Memphis-made — thanks to strong partnerships with local businesses like Aldo’s Pizza Pies, Slider Inn, and Dog House Tavern, all part of Packed House Hospitality Group.
“When new businesses come to Memphis and support locals, we give back. That’s just who we are. Memphians take care of those who take care of us.”
Other local sponsors include Direct FX Solutions, the Peabody Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express, all contributing to the city’s newest sports venture.
This approach that prioritizes local ownership and small business involvement is part of the TAL’s long-term vision.
“We don’t just want to play here,” said Holmes. “We want to belong here. We’re looking for local owners who love this city as much as we do.”
🏆 What Makes the Arena League Different
The Arena Football League is a total fan experience.
Highlights include:
- Interactive halftime shows featuring acts from America’s Got Talent
- Post-game field access, where kids can toss the ball with players
- Tailgate parties and indoor entertainment
- Season ticket perks like drink service, premium seating, and giveaways
And yes, fans keep the footballs when they catch them in the stands!
“We go through about 50 footballs a game. If you catch one, it’s yours. That’s part of the excitement.”
🐯 Memphis Pride, Memphis Power
While the league currently owns the team, Holmes says the goal is to transition ownership to local leaders who reflect the city’s culture and values.
“We want people who have been investing in Memphis long before they invest in football. People who care about community, not just wins.”
Memphis will be one of 18 teams in the newly expanded Arena Football League, joining cities across the country in bringing the sport back to life, but this time, with a modern twist and a distinctly local flavor.
“Memphis is one of the biggest, proudest cities in our league. We’re here because we believe this city deserves big-time football again.”
💥 Want to Be Part of the Team?
Memphis fans can submit name ideas, buy season tickets, and join the movement at memphisarenafootball.com.
🎟️ Season Tickets: On sale now
🏟️ Venue: Memphis Sports and Events Center, Liberty Park
📅 Official Team Name + Logo Reveal: Coming late November
📢 Fan Contest: Open now! Submit your ideas for the team name here!
