PORTLAND --A new professional arena football team is moving to Portland and the public will have a chance to name it. The owner of the yet unnamed team, Terry W. Emmert, and Arena Football League Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz, held a press conference Wednesday to make the announcement.
We are excited to have the opportunity to bring professional football not only to the Portland community, but to the entire state of Oregon, Emmert said to a packed room of reporters. Sports fans in this state are used to seeing a high-energy, fast-paced brand of football. The Arena Football League delivers that kind of excitement in a unique and affordable family setting.
Portland's first season starts March of 2014. The Moda Center will host nine home games. Season tickets start at $99.
According to the league, Arena Football's structure of two eight-man teams playing on a 50-yard indoor field results in a high-scoring game.
The playing area is surrounded by foam-padded walls that ensure plenty of big hits and high-flying action, said the AFL's Michael DiJulio. When a ball is thrown or bounces into the crowd, the lucky fan that catches the ball gets to keep it.
The public can submit ideas for a team name at PortlandAFL.com
