American Arena League Welcomes the Rome Red Cats for 2027

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-

The American Arena League (AAL) is proud to announce the addition of the Rome Red Cats to the league as the AAL continues its unprecedented run of well-planned, well-vetted expansion heading into the 2027 season.

Like so many small to midsize markets that have been void of the sport of arena football Rome, ga will once again have arena football in 2027, due in part to the affordable structure of the AAL. The Red Cats come into the fold with an ownership group that possesses the experience, know-how, and vision to build a franchise from the ground up, including years of owning, managing, and coaching. This ownership group includes Kacee Smith, Richard Masila, and James Moreland.

Smith and Masila are both former owners of the Columbus Lions, gaining pivotal experience in keeping, maintaining, and furthering a high-level Arena Football franchise. Moreland, who will also serve as the head coach, offers years of ownership experience with the Peach State Cats of the AAL2, as well as half a decade coaching Peach State and the GIFL.

This edition of American Arena League expansion marks yet another well-planned and executed venture into providing a sustainable, travel-friendly league of well-meaning and professionally operated franchises.

Smith and his team are excited for the new venture, saying, “I've always wanted to bring a team home (as he is local to Northwest Georgia), but we had to have the right league, partners, and support, and this is it!” The planning for this franchise began well in advance of the announcement, giving the team time to map out plans for promotion, community engagement, and building of the foundation it takes to build a franchise. Many plans are already in place to partner with and be a part of Rome and the surrounding communities!

“It's a great day for the American Arena League as we welcome the Rome Red Cats, the addition of yet another experienced ownership group while maintaining our goal of affordable regional arena football will always be exciting, especially when the addition comes in the way of a natural and instant rival with a current AAL franchise”, said AAL Commissioner Kevin O'Hanlan.

Additional announcements regarding ticket information, team operations, tryouts, community initiatives, and player personnel will be made in the coming months.