First Expansion Market of 2024 Announced by NISL

TAMPA, FL - The National Indoor Soccer League (NISL) announced Albany, GA as its first expansion market for the 2024 season. The new team, yet to be named, will play in the Albany Civic Center, part of the Flint River Entertainment Complex.

Entering into its third year of competition, Albany becomes the NISL’s third expansion market and the first outside the state of Florida. The team follows the Tampa Bay Strikers and the Central Florida Crusaders (Orlando), both of which joined the league for its sophomore season.

"I am excited to be back in Albany. Having worked in this market in previous leagues, I understand the importance of sports entertainment to the families of Albany. It has always been a fan friendly environment and shall continue as such with the addition of our newest NISL team", stated NISL Commissioner Gary Tufford.

Members of the local community will have the opportunity to participate in a “Name the Team” campaign, giving them an immediate opportunity to engage with the area’s newest professional sports team. Like all other NISL clubs, every game day will feature a double header of action that includes both a men’s and women’s contest.  To submit your team name suggestion visit https://www.nislpro.com/name-the-team-albany-ga

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to add Albany to the list of great locations that our league’s teams call home,” shared NISL President, Mary Ellen Rogers. “We have already begun working with the ownership group there. They are eager to spend the off-season preparing to take the pitch this season for the first time and we are excited to continue our expansion efforts to grow professional indoor soccer.”

The addition of Albany, GA to the NISL fits well into the existing league footprint. It’s a short one- and-a-half-hour drive from the Columbus Civic Center, under five hours from Tampa and Orlando and within eight from both Fayetteville, NC and Memphis, TN.

"We are thrilled to welcome the National Indoor Soccer League's newest team to the Flint River Entertainment Complex," said General Manager Victor Landry. "Albany and the surrounding communities have a rich history and legacy of excellence in sports. We are excited about this new indoor soccer team adding to that history and legacy. The addition of professional soccer to our venues' family entertainment mix will bring a new level of excitement to the community. I can't wait to see this high-energy sport played in our community".

More details about the NISL’s new club in Albany will be released in the upcoming months including the unveiling of the team's name, information about the ownership group, front office and coaching hire announcements, the home season schedule, ticketing information, and more.

ABOUT NATIONAL INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE (NISL): The National Indoor Soccer League was founded in January 2021 by a group of seasoned sports team/league owners with over 50 years of ownership experience. The league features both a Men's & Women's Division, competing in double header game days over a 16-game regular season that takes place between the months of January and April. Current teams include Central FL Crusaders (Orlando), Columbus Rapids (Georgia), Fayetteville Fury (North Carolina), Memphis Americans, and Tampa Bay Strikers. The NISL is committed to promoting and supporting our member teams, and to providing an avenue for players, coaches, and front office staff to develop their skills and gain exposure for opportunities at higher levels, all while delivering high-quality, affordable entertainment in the communities we serve. For more information, go to nislpro.com.

About Flint River Entertainment Complex
Flint River Entertainment Complex is owned by the City of Albany and is operated by OVG360. Located in Albany, Ga., Flint River Entertainment Complex is comprised of three venues- the Albany Civic Center, Albany Municipal Auditorium, and Veterans Park Amphitheatre. Hosting live spectator events, banquets, meetings, trade shows, conferences, concerts and more, Flint River Entertainment Complex prides itself on bringing quality entertainment to southwest Georgia. For a full list of events please visit www.flintriverentertainmentcomplex.com.

About OVG360
OVG360, a division of Oak View Group, is a full-service venue management and hospitality company that helps client-partners reimagine the sports, live entertainment, and convention industries for the betterment of the venue, employees, artists, athletes, and surrounding communities. With a portfolio of more than 200 client-partners spanning arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and state fairs around the globe, OVG360 provides a set of services, resources and expertise designed to elevate every aspect of business that matters to venue operators. Service-oriented and driven by social responsibility, OVG360 helps facilities drive value through excellence and innovation in food services, booking and content development, sustainable operations, public health, public safety, and more.