Oregon Lightning kicks off 2026 season with community event in Prineville

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Lightning arena football team will host a community event this Friday at the Les Schwab Tire Center in Prineville. The gathering, which runs from 2 to 4 p.m., serves as a promotional event for the team's 2026 season.

The event at 1250 NE Third Street will offer fans the opportunity to meet players and the team's Hype Squad. The festivities are designed to prepare the Central Oregon community for the upcoming Arena Football One season.

A "Lightning Caravan" will serve as one of the highlights of the afternoon. Players and the Hype Squad will travel in vehicles decorated with banners and team colors, starting at Pioneer Park and moving east on Third Street toward the tire center to begin the festivities.

The event will feature four interactive fan stations for attendees of all ages. A Lightning Swag Table will provide stickers, posters and team merchandise, while an autograph station will offer meet-and-greet opportunities with the players.

The Oregon Lightning Youth Initiative, also known as OLYI, will host a table providing information regarding youth programs, camps, and community outreach. Additionally, a ticket sales station will be available for fans to purchase season or single-game tickets for the 2026 season.

A themed photo booth experience will be available for fans, featuring a branded backdrop and balloons. Attendees can use team-related props, including helmets, footballs, and jerseys, for photos.