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Kentucky Barrels to Call Truist Arena Home, Bringing Arena Football Back to NKU

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a thrilling announcement on Monday, the Kentucky Barrels, an Arena Football One team, revealed that they will be calling Truist Arena their home starting in the spring of 2026. The Arena Football One league, relaunched in 2024, is poised to expand its reach with the addition of the Barrels. Owner Corey Cunningham, an NKU alum, expressed his excitement for the new venture, stating, "As a kid from Cincinnati, launching a professional sports team and bringing something special to my alma mater is truly a dream." The team's head coach, Cedric Walker, brings over 20 years of experience to the table, having played in the NFL and coached in various leagues. With a focus on affordability, family-friendly entertainment, and community engagement, the Barrels aim to make a significant impact on the local sports scene.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kentucky Barrels will call Truist Arena their home starting in the spring of 2026.
  • Owner Corey Cunningham, an NKU alum, is excited to bring Arena Football to the university's campus, citing his childhood dream of launching a professional sports team.
  • Head coach Cedric Walker brings over 20 years of experience in the sport, having played in the NFL and coached in various leagues.
  • The team will have local tryouts and prioritize hiring a coaching staff to attract local players to the team.
  • The Barrels aim to provide affordable, fast-paced, and family-friendly entertainment, with a focus on community engagement.
  • League commissioner Jeff Fisher expects significant growth, with national sponsors and teams committed to the league for seasons beyond 2026.
  • NKU president Cady Short-Thompson welcomes arena football to campus, highlighting the energy and entertainment it will bring.

Statistics:

  • The Arena Football One league was relaunched in 2024.
  • The Kentucky Barrels will start putting their roster together on September 1.
  • Head coach Cedric Walker accumulated 614 tackles, 84 pass breakups, 11 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, and 23 interceptions during his playing career.
  • The team will have local tryouts for the team and put a coaching staff in place in hopes of getting some local players on the team.
  • The Barrels aim to provide affordable entertainment, with prices as low as $40 per person for a family of four.

Sources:

  • LinkNKY: interview with Corey Cunningham
  • The Cincinnati Enquirer: interview with Cedric Walker
  • WLWT News 5: statement from Corey Cunningham
  • Press conference: statement from Jeff Fisher and Cady Short-Thompson

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