Stockton Welcomes Professional Arena Football with Crusaders Launch

Stockton is set to revive its professional arena football scene with the introduction of the Stockton Crusaders, slated to kick off in March 2027. This exciting news was shared by arena officials, city representatives, and team members during a press conference at Adventist Health Arena. The Crusaders will compete as an expansion team in Arena Football One (AF1), marking the return of indoor football to the venue after a hiatus since 2015.

Jason Perry, regional general manager of Legends Global, which oversees the city-owned arena, highlighted the extensive discussions that led to this announcement. “With the Crusaders, this has been a couple of years in the making,” Perry remarked. He expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration that finally brought the team to Stockton.

Mayor Christina Fugazi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Stockton's readiness for new opportunities. “We're a resilient city...and we are ready to fight for every single yard that we can in the city of Stockton,” she said, underlining the franchise's significance in enhancing local entertainment options and fostering community ties.

The Crusaders will join the ranks of other professional teams in Stockton, including the Minor League Baseball's Stockton Ports and the NBA G League's Stockton Kings. Team President Scott McKibben noted the city's rich football heritage and the arena's ideal setting for indoor games, stating, “It's a football town.” He also referenced the historical contributions of the University of the Pacific to the sport.

As the Crusaders gear up for their inaugural season, they plan to be actively involved in the community, ensuring their players are locally engaged. General Manager Greg Pierce stressed the importance of fan support for the team's growth, inviting locals to purchase season tickets through their website. With ambitions to contribute positively to youth programs and local initiatives, the Crusaders aim to establish a deep-rooted presence in Stockton's sports culture.