Jalen Campbell
This year the Orlando sports scene is expected to feature two new professional football teams.
The Orlando Storm is a newly added United Football League team that will debut this March. The Storm will play their games at Inter&Co Stadium, home of the Orlando City Soccer Club of the MLS and Orlando Pride of the NWSL. Led by head coach, Anthony Becht, the Orlando Storm will face another newly added team, the Columbus Aviators, on March 29 at 8 p.m.
Tickets for Orlando Storm games are available now.
The Indoor Football League also comes to Orlando in 2026 as the former Massachusetts Pirates relocate to Central Florida. The league contains 14 teams nationwide. The Orlando Pirates will play its games at the Kia Center in downtown Orlando. The reason for the relocation is a strategic move to bring more exposure and community to the organization according to the IFL.
“We look forward to seeing the Pirates compete in front of an energized Orlando crowd as the league continues to expand its national footprint,” said IFL Commissioner, Todd Tyron, according to the IFL.
This will be the first team to bring the IFL experience to Central Florida. Rob Keefe, former Orlando Predators head coach, will be the head coach for the Pirates. Keefe is a veteran coach who was able to lead the Predators to three straight playoff appearances and two division titles from 2014 to 2016.
“This relocation represents both growth and opportunity for the Pirates organization, for the Indoor Football League and for the passionate sports community of Orlando,” said Tyron, according to the IFL.
The Pirates will play their first game on Sunday, March 22 following their first bye week.
Tickets for Orlando Pirates games are available now.
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