By Blake Haas
BLOOMINGTON –The Midway Marauders Indoor Football team announced their new home will be Grossinger Motors Arena starting in March of 2020.
At a press conference on Friday, Marauders Owner Dan Ryan announced the team will play in the Indoor Arena League (IFL).
“We’re bringing a winning team to Bloomington-Normal. We’ve been to two championships. We are looking for a third one, and we wanted to upgrade what we had. We have been playing in a smaller place (East Side Soccer Dome in Chicago), and we were looking to be in a nicer arena and have a nice fan base that we are active with.”
Signing a two-year deal with an option for a third with Grossinger Motors Arena, Ryan said fans can experience high-level talent.
“Our roster is full of great players, we have guys that were on NFL rosters, we have guys that played Division 1 college,” added Ryan. “I am excited about what we have, and I think you will like what we bring.”
The Marauders season will begin in February, with five home games at Grossinger Motors Arena.
Ryan brings with him a staff that includes General Manager Chris Matthews, Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Timothy Arvanitis, Defensive Coordinator Tremayne Cheers, and Defensive Line Coach Normal Perez.
After playing in the Midwest Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL) for two years, Matthews said he’s excited to interact with the surrounding communities.
“We are really big on being involved in the community. We invite kids onto the field after games, and autographs are mandatory by our players.”
Matthews said the Marauders will host an open tryout but do not have a date scheduled yet.
Blake Haas can be reached at Blake.Haas@Cumulus.com.
