Oregon Lightning announced as newest expansion team for Arena Football One
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REDMOND, Ore — Arena Football One announced the Oregon Lightning as the fourth expansion team along with a familiar face leading the franchise.
On Tuesday, AF1 officials said in a press release that the Lightning will play home games at the First Interstate Bank Center at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond.
The team will also be coached by Chuck Jones who was previously the head coach of the now defunct Oregon Blackbears of the Arena Football League. Jones will also join the ownership group alongside central Oregon business owners Sara Gumm and Jay Jenkins.
“I’ve seen Chuck’s dedication firsthand for over 20 years and I’m excited to partner with these two on this incredible journey,” Gumm said in the release. “Together, we’re committed to the Oregon Lightning team and plan to light up the in-game experience in Central Oregon.”
The Lightning join the Monterrey Kings, Wilkes-Barre and Stockton Crusaders as the latest expansion franchises for the newly formed AF1. The league recently shared it extended its deadline to October 31 for new markets to join in its inaugural season.
“We are incredibly excited to be bringing Arena Football to Bend,” Commissioner Jeff Fisher said. “The hometown and homegrown roots of their organization will bring the passion and excitement of Friday Night Lights to the professional arena stage.“
AF1 teams are currently in the free agency stage and the league plans to release a 2025 schedule in November.
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