GREENSBORO - Football fans in the Triad will still be able to get their gridiron fix when the traditional football season ends next year. That's because Greensboro welcomed a new brand of indoor football Monday afternoon.
The Carolina Cobras of the National Arena League announced they'll play their inaugural season at the Greensboro Coliseum in 2018. The newest expansion team will kick off play in the spring.
"We are extremely proud to be bringing a franchise to North Carolina," NAL Expansion Chairman Jeff Bouchy said. "Greensboro has been a prime target for NAL expansion with their connection with its neighboring cities Winston-Salem and High Point."
The National Arena League, not to be confused with the Arena Football League, was founded in 2016 and held its first season this year. The second season begins in April. The Jacksonville Sharks, Columbus Lions, Lehigh Valley Steelhawks, Jersey Flight and Massachusetts Pirates are all current NAL franchises.
Billy Back was introduced as the head coach of the Cobras Monday. Back played in the Indoor Football League for six seasons after playing college baseball at Miami (OH).
"We are excited to have arena football return to the Coliseum and look forward to working with the NAL and the Cobras' ownership group and staff," Greensboro Coliseum Complex Managing Director Matt Brown said. "Arena football is an exciting, high-energy sport that will add another family-friendly live entertainment option to our schedule for Triad residents to enjoy beginning in the spring of 2018."