Category: Arena Football League

Pittsburgh Power Arena Football League

Pittsburgh Power

November 24, 2014

The now-defunct Pittsburgh Power were the second attempt to establish an Arena Football League franchise in the Steel City. The Power followed in the footsteps of the Pittsburgh Gladiators (1987-1990). Both teams lasted for four seasons before departing the scene. The Power debuted in 2011 and played at the recently opened CONSOL Energy Center. After a promising first season, the Power’s fortunes plunged following a nasty league-wide labor dispute at the start of the 2012 season. Power owner Matt Shaner generated national headlines and criticism when he fired the entire Power roster during a meal at Olive Garden on the eve of the team’s 2012 season opener and replaced the players with scabs.

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1993 Cincinnati Rockers Program from the Arena Football League

Cincinnati Rockers

August 11, 2014

Arena Football League (1992-1993) Born: October 11, 1991 – AFL expansion franchise Folded: October 28, 1993 First Game: May 30, 1992 (W 37-34 vs. Detroit Drive)

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Head Coach Earle Bruce on the cover of a 1994 Cleveland Thunderbolts program from the Arena Football League

Cleveland Thunderbolts

May 4, 2014

The Cleveland Thunderbolts were a bottom-dwelling Arena Football League franchise that played for three seasons at the suburban Richfield Coliseum from 1992 to 1994. The T-Bolts were one of the weakest entries in the Arena League in the mid-1990’s, posting an 8-26 record during their three seasons in Cleveland, including back-to-back 2-10 campaigns in 1993 and 1994. The ‘Bolts signed two big names from the world of college football. Two-time Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Major Harris of the University of West Virginia played for the team in 1992 and 1994. Former Ohio State boss Earle Bruce coached the Thunderbolts during their final season in 1994.

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Milwaukee Mustangs Arena Football League

Milwaukee Mustangs (1994-2001)

April 27, 2014

The Milwaukee Mustangs were a popular indoor football attraction in Wisconsin’s largest city during the mid-to-late 1990’s.  Although rarely in contention for the Arena Bowl championship – the Mustangs had only two winning seasons out of eight and never advanced beyond the playoff quarterfinals – the team regularly ranked among Arena Football League attendance leaders.

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Art Schlichter Detroit Drive Arena Football League

Detroit Drive

April 26, 2014

One of professional sport’s great forgotten dynasties!.  Formed as an expansion franchise for the Arena Football League’s second season in 1988, the Drive went on to play six years.  Incredibly, the Drive appeared in the Arena Bowl title game in all six seasons they competed, winning four times. The Drive compiled an overall regular season & playoff record of 58-12 in six seasons – an astounding 83% winning percentage. Their nemesis was the Tampa Bay Storm, who dealt Detroit both of their Arena Bowl defeats.

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