The high-scoring action of arena football returns to the area this weekend as the newest local franchise kicks off their inaugural season Saturday at Family Arena.
The St. Louis Bandits, the hometown rep of the American Arena League (AAL), engages in a turf tussle with the Central Illinois Royals at 7:05 pm.
The Bandits, who competes in the AAL Mid-West Division, sports players with both collegiate football and indoor experience. Four home games in St. Charles are slotted for their seven-game 2021 docket.
Longtime arena coach Jeff Hunt serves as both the owner and sideline boss of the newly-minted franchise.
Photo Credit: St. Louis Bandits Facebook
Players looking to make an instant impact Saturday include defensive back Kelvin Rodgers (6-2, 190), considered one of the top players at that position in Arena 1 and quarterback Donovan Portiere (6-4, 225), who was selected as MVP in two prior arena leagues and has set numerous records within indoor play.
Adding to the Bandits’ beef is running back Mike Hodges (6-2, 203) and a bruising offensive line that propels scoring and a defensive core that thwarts an opponent’s progress.
As found with the indoor complexion that is played on a smaller area of play that focuses on aerial attacks, high point totals are projected.
Saturday’s foe, Peoria-based Central Illinois Royals (4-0), crowned the Great Lakes Phoenix, 78-6, at their home opener last weekend.
Tickets are $11 – $33 while students (w/ID) get $5 off per ticket.
Go to the team’s official website for more information.
Arch City Media will have a full recap of the Bandits’ home opener posted on Sunday.
2021 ST. LOUIS BANDITS SCHEDULE
ALL HOME GAMES AT FAMILY ARENA
SAT 4/17Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â VS. CENTRAL ILLINOIS ROYALS (HOME)
SAT 4/24Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â AT CHARLOTTE THUNDER
SAT 5/1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â VS. PENNSYLVANIA UNION (HOME)
SUN 5/9Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â VS. WEST MICHIGAN IRONMEN (HOME)
SAT 5/15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â AT WEST MICHIGAN IRONMEN
SAT 5/22Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â VS. INDIANAPOLIS ENFORCERS (HOME)
SAT 5/29Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â AT CHICAGO SOUTHLAND POWER
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.
