Arena Football League

Foster Gets an Idea for Miniature Football Feild

Feb 11, 1981

James Foster developes an idea for a miniature football feild over a hockey rink while watching an indoor soccer game.

First AFL game played.

Apr 27, 1986

The first Arena Football League game was held in Rockford, Illinois

First Arena Bowl Airs on ESPN

Aug 1, 1987

Denver wins the first Arena Bowl 45-16 over Pittsburgh. The gamewas aired live on ESPN in front of over 13,000 fans.

League Pattents Arena Football

Mar 27, 1990

In 1990, the Arena Football League was issues a patent on arena style football. This made it first sports league in American history to be patented and rival free.

Ford Motor Company Sponsors League

Jan 26, 2001

The AFL is sponsored by Ford Motor Company in a deal valued at about 13 million dollars.

Arena Football Demographics Survey

Jun 3, 2005

A survey is taken, revealing that Arena football was most popular among Women, Whites, and people with income ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.

League Signs Contract With CBS

Nov 13, 2012

The AFL signs a two year contract with CBS, stating that Arena Bowl XXVI will air live on CBS.

League Signs Deal with NET 10 Wireless

Dec 13, 2012

The league signs a 13 year deal with NET 10 Wireless, renaming the league the "Net 10 Wireless Arena Football League".