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Pro Arena Football Back in Stockton: Crusaders to Play in 2027
11 Jun
Summary
- Stockton will host the new arena football team, the Crusaders, starting March 2027.
- The team will play home games at the Adventist Health Arena.
- The Crusaders join Arena Football One (AF1), a professional nine-team league.
Arena football is set to make a comeback in Stockton, California, as the Stockton Crusaders are slated to begin play in March 2027. The team will be part of Arena Football One (AF1), a nine-team professional indoor football league. Their home games will be hosted at the Adventist Health Arena, which has not featured indoor football since 2015. This announcement comes after years of discussions between city officials and team representatives.
The return of professional indoor football is seen as a significant boost for Stockton's sports scene, which already includes the Stockton Ports (MiLB), Stockton Kings (NBA G League), and a new Federal Prospects Hockey League team. Team President Scott McKibben highlighted Stockton's historical connection to football and the Adventist Health Arena's suitability for the sport.
The Crusaders plan to be actively involved in the Stockton community, focusing on youth engagement and education. League games are televised nationally, and the team's management emphasizes the importance of fan support for the franchise's growth. Season tickets are now available for purchase. The team aims for a long-term presence, integrating into the community's fabric.
