Oregon Lightning kicks off inaugural season in Arena Football One League in March
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- In less than 50 days, the Oregon Lightning arena football team, led by Head Coach Chuck Jones, will kick off their inaugural season at the First Interstate Bank Center in Redmond. The excitement is palpable as the team prepares to compete in the national Arena Football One league.
"This opportunity presented itself for us to bring arena football back to Redmond, and that's exactly what we did," said Jones. "We hopped on board, and now we're back, playing on a national schedule. You can bring your family, have a great time, and keep coming back—we have six home games."
The Oregon Lightning will offer Central Oregon fans an exhilarating experience, with the added thrill of national exposure.
"But this time around, as the Lightning, we're part of Arena Football One, a national league. We'll have games broadcast on national TV," Jones shared.
After playing 12 seasons in the Arena Football League and coaching for the High Desert Storm, Chuck Jones has been determined to reestablish a professional football presence in Oregon.
"I want to put Central Oregon on the map," Jones emphasized. "It’s such a beautiful place. When people hear 'Oregon,' they think of Portland. But Redmond and Bend are breathtaking, with mountains in the background—it’s like driving through a postcard. I want to give the Central Valley something to be proud of."
As both part-owner and head coach, Jones has built a 24-player roster featuring talent from across the country. The team includes athletes with diverse backgrounds, from junior college standouts to Division I stars, all eager to prove themselves on the arena football stage.
"We’re helping players continue their football careers," Jones said. "We’re getting guys out there, trying to send them to the NFL, UFL, or CFL. This can be their starting point if they didn’t get their chance out of college."
With 11 teams competing nationwide, the Oregon Lightning are laser-focused on winning and growing the sport of arena football. Jones is driven by a desire to make Redmond, the league’s smallest market, a name synonymous with success.
"I want to bring a championship here," he said. "When we talk about arena football, people ask, ‘Oh, is that in Portland?’ And we say, ‘No, it’s in Redmond.’ Then they ask, ‘Where’s Redmond?’ Well, they’re going to find out."
The Oregon Lightning will kick off their first season on March 15th with a home game against the Billings Outlaws.
For tickets and more information, visit theoregonlightning.com
Get ready, Central Oregon — the Lightning are set to electrify the arena football world!