Move to historic Barton Coliseum, entry into the Indoor Football League and planned revitalization mark a new chapter for professional sports in Arkansas.
The Indoor Football League is proud to welcome the Arkansas Diamonds, who will make Little Rock and historic Barton Coliseum their new home as the organization begins its next chapter in the IFL.
The move brings the Diamonds to Central Arkansas with plans to invest in Barton Coliseum, modernize the facility and enhance the experience for players, fans and partners while preserving the history and character of the venue. The organization also sees the opportunity to bring additional sporting events, concerts and community programming to Barton throughout the year.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome the Arkansas Diamonds to Barton Coliseum," said Will Hornburg, Director of Sales & Promotions at Barton Coliseum. "There is so much history in this building, and the Diamonds bring an opportunity to create new energy while respecting everything Barton has meant to Arkansas. Their commitment to revitalizing the Coliseum can help introduce Barton to an entirely new generation of fans."
For Diamonds Owner Mark Bertel, the move represents an opportunity to establish a professional football organization with a statewide identity.
"I've lived in and loved Arkansas my entire life. This is an opportunity to build something meaningful, give our players the environment they deserve and create a professional sports organization Arkansas can be proud of. This isn't Little Rock's team and it isn't my team. This is Arkansas's team."
A NEW HOME IN LITTLE ROCK
While Little Rock will serve as the new home of the Diamonds, the organization remains committed to representing communities throughout Arkansas. The move provides the centralized location, market size and arena capabilities needed as the franchise enters the IFL, while allowing the organization to expand its reach across the state.
The organization also recognizes Hot Springs and its role in building the foundation of the Diamonds.
"Hot Springs will always be the foundation of the Arkansas Diamonds," Bertel said. "That community welcomed us, supported our players, filled the stands and believed in what we were building. We will never forget that."
JOINING THE INDOOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE
The Diamonds' arrival in the IFL will provide the organization with expanded opportunities through national television exposure, digital media, corporate partnerships and community engagement.
"The Arkansas Diamonds understand that building a successful professional sports organization involves more than what happens on the field," said Jared Widman, President of the Indoor Football League. "Television, corporate partnerships, community engagement and the fan experience are all important parts of growing our league. We are excited to welcome the Diamonds to the IFL and believe Arkansas can become an important market for our league."
On the field, Head Coach Bones Bagaunte will lead a program focused on winning, discipline, accountability and player development.
"We expect to win and compete for championships, but our responsibility is bigger than football," Bagaunte said. "When our players put Arkansas across their chest, they represent an entire state. We want disciplined players, accountable players and good men. Our job is to build champions on the field while helping build better men off of it."
BUILDING FOR ARKANSAS
Diamonds President Dustin Harrison and General Manager Lauren Hatten will help lead the organization as it establishes its new home and begins competing in the IFL. Community involvement, relationships with businesses throughout Arkansas and creating opportunities for young people will remain central to the franchise's mission.
The Diamonds believe their move to Little Rock, investment in Barton Coliseum and entry into the IFL can create something sustainable that extends beyond football. The goal is to give fans throughout Arkansas a professional team to call their own while creating new opportunities for businesses, partners and communities across the state.
"Arkansas deserves professional sports," Bertel said. "We have the fans, we have the businesses and we have the passion. I believe this can be the beginning of a new era for professional sports in Arkansas."
Additional information regarding Barton Coliseum improvements, the upcoming IFL season, ticketing, corporate partnerships and community initiatives will be announced in the coming months.
Originally published by the Indoor Football League. Imported as a draft for editorial review.