Tempe, January 19, 2026
Tempe is enhancing its sports landscape with the introduction of the Arizona Juggernauts, a new arena football team set to play at Mullett Arena in April. This addition reflects the community’s vitality and dedication to growth through sports. The Juggernauts will compete in the International Arena League, aiming for a fan-centric experience. Mullett Arena, a modern facility, serves as a key venue for sports and entertainment, reaffirming Tempe’s commitment to providing quality community resources.
Tempe, AZ
Tempe Welcomes New Arena Football with the Arizona Juggernauts
Tempe is set to enhance its dynamic sports landscape with the arrival of a new arena football team, bringing fresh excitement and opportunities for local engagement. This latest development underscores the spirit of individual achievement and the positive ripple effects that dedicated initiatives can foster within a community.
The introduction of professional sports teams often reflects a community’s vitality and its capacity for growth through private ventures and civic participation. Tempe’s growing reputation as a hub for both athletics and entertainment provides an ideal environment for new organizations to flourish, offering residents and visitors alike more choices for leisure and community connection.
The Arizona Juggernauts: Kicking Off a New Era
Tempe is preparing to host a new professional indoor football team, the Arizona Juggernauts, who are scheduled to begin play at Mullett Arena in April. This marks an exciting addition to the array of Phoenix AZ events and further solidifies the Valley’s standing in the national sports scene. The Juggernauts will join the newly formed International Arena League (IAL), which is also set to launch its inaugural season in April.
The International Arena League’s Global Ambition
The International Arena League (IAL) is embarking on an ambitious journey to establish a new brand of indoor football with a global presence. The league plans to feature teams across North America and Europe, with the Arizona Juggernauts as one of its prominent U.S. franchises. The IAL aims for a fan-centric approach to arena football, emphasizing traditional play with modifications designed for higher scoring and faster action. With plans for a 14-game regular season, culminating in a playoff tournament and a championship game, the league is setting a clear course for competitive play and high-stakes excitement. This bold initiative highlights the entrepreneurial spirit driving innovation in professional sports, aiming to create a sustainable league for generations of fans.
Mullett Arena: Tempe’s Modern Sports and Entertainment Hub
The choice of Mullett Arena as the home for the Arizona Juggernauts is a testament to Tempe’s commitment to providing top-tier venues for both sports and entertainment. Located conveniently near Rio Salado Parkway and Packard Drive, Mullett Arena is a 5,000-seat facility recognized as one of Tempe’s premier destinations for various events. Beyond arena football, it serves as the home for Sun Devil Hockey and Arizona Coyotes hockey, and regularly hosts a diverse calendar of events, including national live touring acts, concerts, family shows, and comedy performances. The arena’s modern design ensures an exceptional viewing experience for every ticket holder, underscoring the benefits of well-managed public and private partnerships in delivering valuable community assets.
Fostering Community Through Sports in Tempe
The arrival of the Arizona Juggernauts complements Tempe’s existing robust infrastructure for sports and Tempe community engagement. The City of Tempe actively promotes a positive environment for youth sports, offering a wide array of programs in flag football, golf, softball, basketball, and rugby for ages 5-18. These initiatives focus on instilling positive attitudes, sportsmanship, and fundamental skills, fostering confidence and high moral standards in young athletes. Partnerships, such as those between the City of Tempe Parks and Recreation Athletic Department and the Tempe Elementary School District, provide athletic opportunities at no cost to students, demonstrating a collective commitment to local development and individual well-being. Such community-focused endeavors create a fertile ground for new professional teams to integrate and contribute to the local fabric, enhancing civic pride and offering new avenues for community gathering.
A Broader Look at Arizona Arena Football
The presence of the Arizona Juggernauts will contribute to Arizona’s vibrant indoor football scene. The state is already home to the Arizona Rattlers, an established indoor football team based in Phoenix that competes in the Indoor Football League (IFL). Additionally, the Arizona Bandits, a dormant professional indoor football team also based in Tempe, have been announced as one of the inaugural teams for Arena Football One (AF1) in 2025. These various leagues and teams highlight the widespread appeal of arena football in Arizona sports, offering diverse opportunities for athletic talent and fan enjoyment, driven by multiple independent organizations and their visions for the sport.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Arizona Juggernauts to Tempe represents an exciting chapter for the city’s sports and entertainment landscape. Driven by personal initiative and the dynamic energy of the International Arena League, this new team promises to bring spirited competition and foster greater community engagement. As the season approaches, residents and sports enthusiasts are encouraged to support this new venture, showcasing the collective strength and enthusiasm of the Tempe community. Engaging with local events like Juggernauts games not only supports the team but also contributes to the thriving cultural and recreational life that makes Tempe a unique place to live and gather.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the name of the new arena football team coming to Tempe?
- The new arena football team coming to Tempe is called the Arizona Juggernauts.
- Where will the Arizona Juggernauts play their games?
- The Arizona Juggernauts will play their games at Mullett Arena in Tempe.
- When will the Arizona Juggernauts begin playing?
- The Arizona Juggernauts are scheduled to begin playing in April.
- What league will the Arizona Juggernauts be a part of?
- The Arizona Juggernauts will be a part of the International Arena League (IAL).
- What are the key features of Mullett Arena?
- Mullett Arena is a 5,000-seat venue located near Rio Salado Parkway and Packard Drive in Tempe. It serves as home to Sun Devil Hockey, Arizona Coyotes hockey, and hosts national live touring acts, concerts, family shows, and comedy.
Key Features of the Arizona Juggernauts and International Arena League
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Arizona Juggernauts |
| Home Arena | Mullett Arena, Tempe |
| Start Date | April |
| League | International Arena League (IAL) |
| IAL Launch | April 2026, with an Arizona team |
| IAL Scope | Teams in North America (US, Canada) and Europe |
| Mullett Arena Capacity | 5,000 seats |
| Mullett Arena Other Tenants | Sun Devil Hockey, Arizona Coyotes Hockey |
Now Happening on X
- @MesaConvCntr (January 18, 2026, 3:10 PM): The Lovin’ Life Expo for adults 50+ is set for January 21 at the Mesa Convention Center, featuring free admission, live music, cash giveaways, and info on travel, retirement, health, finances, and fun activities in the Phoenix area. View on X
- @phoenixnewtimes (January 13, 2026, 8:25 PM): A Phoenix benefit concert is raising funds to support the Tucson Folk Festival, bringing the community together for music and a great cause. View on X
- @FOX10Phoenix (January 16, 2026, 7:30 PM): The Rock N’ Roll half-marathon is kicking off this weekend in the Phoenix area, starting with an expo at the Phoenix Convention Center on January 16, inviting runners and spectators to join the energy. View on X
- @KVOA (January 17, 2026, 1:30 PM): The Arizona Renaissance Festival is returning this month, offering a fun escape into history with entertainment and activities for all ages in the Phoenix region. View on X
- @AZSurprise (January 15, 2026, 9:44 PM): The free Roots of Creation: Art & Nature Festival in Surprise celebrates creativity and community with hands-on activities, live music, upcycled art, live animals, hoop dance, and food trucks. View on X
- @azcentral (January 17, 2026, 7:30 AM): Highlights the best and biggest concerts heading to Arizona in 2026, showcasing the vibrant music scene and exciting live performances for Phoenix locals and visitors. View on X
- @EdMasley (January 17, 2026, 1:31 AM): Recommends checking out the latest concert guide for plenty of shows this weekend in Phoenix, emphasizing the diverse and engaging live music options available. View on X
- @ChrissyScott777 (January 16, 2026, 3:38 AM): Shares a comprehensive 2026 WM Phoenix Open guide, including tickets, fan activities, Coors Light Birds Nest, and more for this premier golf and community event. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
