Arena football returns to Oregon with Blackbears’ franchise opener in Salem

SALEM Ore. (KPTV) - Saturday was game night in Salem for the franchise opener of the Oregon Blackbears at the state fairgrounds as the Arena Football League rides again in the Beaver State.

The Blackbears’ home opener against the Washington Wolfpack was the first in the revival of spring ball with wall-to-wall pigskin in the capital city.

“It’s very specifically named the Oregon Blackbears so that we can be a part of the entire state of Oregon,” said team co-owner Justin Butler. “How do we make sure this is the place you want to spend your Saturday evening?”

Oregon’s third go at the AFL calls the Pavilion at the Oregon State Fairgrounds home, sweet, home in Salem.

“One of the reasons we love this arena, is you’re never too far from the action, right? You have front row seats, you’re just about 13 rows is all you have here so everything on the action is very, very close,” Butler said.

The first-of-its-kind Portland bar, which only plays women’s sports, received funding from the 776 Foundation.

Blackbears’ team president Patrick Johnson was a two-sport University of Oregon Duck star in track and football in Eugene. That ‘94 Rose Bowl with Gang Green was now three decades ago.

“To have a fresh face, even though I’m old news, you know? But to have him involved is definitely a great benefit for us,” Johnson said. “Being able to provide some football, it’s been very special to be able to pull it off.”

A Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens, Johnson knows winning and he’s packing it back to with the game that has given him a lifelong path to success.

“It’s given me more to me than I could even give back to it and that’s why this is important. This is a way for me to kind of pay things forward,” Johnson said. “You never know how you can impact somebody’s life that’s really not even affiliated with playing football on the field.”

The play inside on the AFL turf could just pave a way to the big show.

“We might have three guys this year that have an opportunity to go to an NFL training camp but that is the goal to be able to provide an opportunity for these guys that showcase their talent,” Johnson said.

The Blackbears remain home this coming Saturday - May the 4th be with you for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff.

Tickets range from $20 to $40 and are free for kids 12 and under.

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