Arena Football League’s Washington Valor Makes Debut (photos)

It’s official. D.C.-area fans will no longer have to wait till September for their football fix. The Washington Valor of the Arena Football League made its debut before more than 15,000 energized fans at the Verizon Center on Friday, April 7. It was also the debut game for their opponents, the Baltimore Brigade. Both teams are owned by Ted Leonsis, CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment.

The Valor, which defeated the Brigade 51-38, were led by the passing of former AFL MVP Erik Meyer and the receiving of Mike Washington, who caught three first-half touchdowns. The Valor actually led at halftime 34-6, but the Brigade pulled within striking distance by scoring 20 straight points.

Down to just five teams, the Arena Football League is beginning its 30th season. Teams will play a 13-game schedule, from early April to early August. Ticket prices range from $10 to $155.

As in traditional football, teams in the AFL will have four downs to advance the ball 10 yards, with the same scoring rules for touchdowns, safeties and fields goals. But that’s where the resemblance ends. Eight players per side play on a foam-padded field just 85 feet wide and 50 yards long, fitting neatly within the confines of a hockey rink. Punting is not allowed, which is a good thing considering the not-so-high hanging scoreboard over the center of the field.

This all makes for very fast-paced, high-scoring games. Team rosters have been pared to just 21 players on game day (vs. the 53 that suit up for NFL games), forcing many to play both offense and defense. If the ball bounces off the netting behind the end zone, it is a live ball and can be played.

AFL games are very fan-friendly. As in baseball, any football that makes it into the stands remains the property of the lucky fan who retrieves it. Fans are invited onto the field after the game to mingle with coaches and players and get autographs.

If you have an urge to watch football during the spring and summer, if you prefer a short ride on the Metro to travel by car to Landover, if you like high scoring games, if you want seats with good sightlines that are affordable, if you like a passing attack, if you want a family-friendly game where the players are approachable, if you prefer to watch a game while staying dry without freezing in your seat, if you want a chance at a souvenir football kicked into the stands, then arena football may be for you.

View Jeff Malet’s photos of the inaugural game for the Washington Valor by clicking on the photo icons below.