Expansion Alert: Albany, New York Joins The NAL

ALBANY - The National Arena League is proud to announce their new partnership and expansion into Albany, New York. The Albany arena team, under the ownership of Ron Tridico and Nate Starling, are joining the NAL and fielding a team starting in the 2021 season. Albany has signed a three-year agreement and will play in the Times Union Center.

Starling shared, “I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to bring such a wonderful sport back to my home state and fans.”

Tridico also added, “We are excited to expand to this historic market and get started. We can’t wait for the 2021 season.”

The NAL is currently made up of 9 teams; Columbus Lions, W.V. Roughriders, Carolina Cobras, Jersey Flight, Jacksonville Sharks, Louisville Xtreme, Tampa Bay, Baltimore Lightning and Orlando Predators. The NAL is thrilled to be expanding to the Albany region that has a great fan base and a rich tradition of winning.

“The addition of this market is tremendous for the NAL,” stated Commissioner Chris Siegfried. “Adding Albany, the recent AFL champions, into our league is going to make for a ton of excitement in 2021. I’m really looking forward to all of the great matchups next season.”

Jason Gibson, Expansion Committee Chairman added, “We are excited to add Albany to the NAL. Bringing Arena football back to the city was important for us as a sport, but also making sure we had the right ownership. Ron and Nate will run a first-class operation on and off the field. 2021 can’t get here fast enough.”

The Albany Ownership group is excited for this new market and will be announcing a name soon.

“We are excited to be able to bring Arena Football back this season. The Empire had a tremendous season last year, and we think the NAL will bring the same hard hitting, fast paced action,” said Times Union Center general manager Bob Belber. “With the ownership group we have I have no doubt this is going to be everything it was and more. We’re getting something special back in Albany.”

“Albany loves arena football and is proud of its previous teams which captured the AFL championship title in Arena Bowl XIII and Arena Bowl XXXII,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Fans flocked to the Times Union Center and cheered two past teams to victory. We all welcome a team returning and look forward to a new beginning with the National Arena League.”

For the latest news on the NAL please visit nationalarenaleague.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For up to date information on ticket packages and schedules follow the Times Union Center on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @TUCenter.  As more information becomes available it will be added to the Times Union Center website, www.timesunioncenter-albany.com.