Athens, Georgia, is set to become the home of the state’s first franchise in the Indoor Football League, a new professional circuit that will launch its inaugural season next spring.
The expansion team, owned by former NFL running back Jerome Bettis, former NFL defensive back Brian Jordan, and former University of Georgia standout David Pollack, will begin play in March and run through July, offering a compact, high‑octane version of the sport for local fans.
Kickoff Celebration Brings Fans Together
On Thursday, May 21, at 11 a.m., the franchise will unveil itself at Akins Ford Arena with a free community event that promises live music, street performances and a host of interactive fan experiences.
The celebration will feature appearances by Bettis, Jordan and Pollack, as well as Mark Richt, the two‑time SEC Championship‑winning former Georgia head coach, who will join the owners on stage to share insights about the team’s vision.
Organizers have opened the naming process to the public, inviting residents to help choose the moniker that will represent Athens on the indoor gridiron.
Beyond the spectacle, the event underscores the league’s ambition to blend professional competition with community engagement, leveraging partnerships with local institutions such as the University of Georgia, which is listed among the event’s supporting organizations.
Fans can expect a first look at the league’s format, rules and branding, while local businesses and charities will have opportunities to collaborate with the franchise throughout the season.
With admission free and the venue open to all, the kickoff aims to cement the team’s roots in the Athens community and set the stage for a vibrant sporting tradition that could extend beyond the city’s borders.