The Arizona Rattlers indoor football team said it has committed to keeping its training camp in Maricopa for 2017.
The team conducted a yearlong experiment this year by training in Maricopa and was pleased with the results.
The Rattlers moved in the off season from the Arena Football League to the Indoor Football League. Its 2.5-week training camp will begin in late January at Copper Sky Regional Park. Its regular season begins with an away game Feb. 17.
“The park's staff are already excited and gearing up,” Maricopa Community Services Director Kristie Riester said.
Team President Chris Presson said the team was impressed with the field conditions last year, so it was an easy decision to return for the 2017 training camp.
“Coaches said over and over again it felt like an NFL experience,” Presson said.
Presson also appreciates the community support and said coaches and players enjoyed interacting with fans after practice and during special events at UltraStar Multitainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle. He sad he feels the partnership between the team, Ak-Chin and the city of Maricopa will grow over time. The Ak-Chin Indian Community is a presenting sponsor of the team.
As part of the agreement, the Rattlers will host a camp and a "Read with the Rattlers" event at the Maricopa Public Library.