It’s official: professional indoor football is coming back to Amarillo — and it’s coming back with purpose, personality, and long-term plans.
Meet the Amarillo Warbirds, the newest expansion team in the National Arena League (NAL), set to debut in the 2026 season. But don’t let the word “expansion” fool you. This franchise has roots, history, and an experienced leadership group that’s not just building a football team — they’re building something that Amarillo can call its own.
And after a few up-and-down years for indoor football in the region, this feels less like a comeback and more like a rebirth.
From Odessa to Amarillo — But This Time, It’s Personal
The team’s relocation from Odessa — where they previously competed as the West Texas Warbirds — marks more than just a change of zip code. It’s a complete transformation, guided by a new ownership group and driven by a shared vision.
At a press conference held at the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum, the Warbirds' new leadership made one thing abundantly clear: this isn’t just a football team playing in Amarillo — it’s Amarillo’s football team.
“This is a homecoming,” said co-owner Leif Kertis, who began his arena football career right here in Amarillo back in 2015. “We’re not here to rent space. We’re here to plant roots.”
Joining Kertis in leading the franchise are Cathy Schick, who will head business development, and Derek Urias, both of whom emphasized the importance of doing things the right way — not just for business, but for the community.
“We’re not a placeholder,” Urias added. “We’re building something Amarillo can be proud of — now and 10 years from now.”
Why Amarillo? Why Now?
Let’s face it: Texas lives and breathes football. And while outdoor high school, college, and pro football dominate the fall, arena football fills a different lane — one that’s faster, louder, and built for fan interaction.
According to NAL Commissioner Brandon Ikard, Amarillo was a no-brainer for expansion.
“Amarillo checks every box we look for,” Ikard said. “Passionate fans, strong community, and a venue like the Civic Center that can deliver a top-tier game experience.”
This move also helps the league expand its presence in Texas — especially after the success of the 2025 NAL Championship Game held in East Texas, which drew strong regional attention.
And with Amarillo’s rich history in indoor football — from the Dusters to the Venom to a brief stint as the revived Dusters in 2024 — it’s clear there’s a solid foundation here. What’s been missing is consistency, leadership, and vision. That’s exactly what the Warbirds aim to deliver.
Arena Football the Way It Was Meant to Be
If you’ve never been to an arena football game, here’s what you’re missing:
A 50-yard field with walls that keep the action tight and intense
High-scoring games with fast drives, highlight-reel catches, and big hits
Players flying into the stands — and fans allowed to interact with live plays
A game day atmosphere that’s more like a rock concert than a traditional football game
As Kertis explained, the game isn’t just fan-friendly — it’s fan-powered.
“If a ball goes into the stands, fans can knock it away from the visiting team. You’re literally part of the outcome,” he said. “It’s not just a ticket — it’s a front-row seat to the action.”
This level of engagement is rare in professional sports, especially in an era when big league games can feel corporate or detached. Arena football gives fans something real: intimacy, excitement, and affordability — all in one night out.
A League Built for Longevity
Let’s be honest — the indoor football landscape has seen its share of chaos. Teams that pop up and disappear. Leagues that promise a future and collapse before the playoffs. Amarillo knows this all too well.
That’s where the National Arena League is trying to flip the script.
Founded in 2017, the NAL has worked to create a stable, sustainable model. The biggest difference? Every team in the league owns a stake in the league.
“In the NAL, everyone has skin in the game,” Ikard said. “That accountability is what drives collaboration and long-term growth.”
The Warbirds are the first official expansion franchise under Ikard’s leadership, and he made it clear that this wasn’t a quick decision. The league spent months vetting the ownership group to ensure that Amarillo was ready — and that the Warbirds were the right fit.
“We weren’t looking for a team,” Ikard said. “We were looking for partners. And that’s what we found in Amarillo.”
From the Broadcast Booth to the Front Office
One of the Warbirds’ biggest assets? Their deep ties to the local community.
General Manager Kenny Nachnust, a well-known Amarillo sports radio personality, brings not just media experience but community credibility.
“This team is for Amarillo and the entire Panhandle,” Nachnust said. “We want to be part of your weekends, your conversations, your schools, and your neighborhoods.”
The team also plans to roll out youth football camps, nonprofit partnerships, and interactive events to engage with families long before the first kickoff.
Meanwhile, Head Coach Jermaine Blakely, who led the Warbirds to a title as defensive coordinator in 2021, is focused on building a strong locker room culture — one where performance matters, but character matters more.
“We’re building a culture, not just a roster,” Blakely said. “We want guys who represent the values of this city.”
More Than Just Ticket Sales
It’s easy for new sports teams to focus on quick wins: sell a bunch of tickets, host some flashy promos, and hope it lasts. The Warbirds aren’t playing that game.
Business development leader Cathy Schick summed it up simply: “We’re not here to take from Amarillo. We’re here to invest in it.”
That means building real relationships with local sponsors, nonprofits, and businesses. It means delivering value that goes both ways.
“We’re not just here to sell tickets,” Urias added. “We’re here to build partnerships that matter.”
The Countdown to Kickoff Begins
The Warbirds’ 2026 season schedule is expected to be released in September 2025, and the first game at the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum will kick off in March 2026. Between now and then, fans can expect a wave of community events, merchandise drops, and fan meetups.
The Civic Center is also getting a facelift, with new lighting and seating improvements to enhance the game-day experience.
“This is just the beginning,” said Civic Center GM Brock White. “The city believes in this team, and we’re excited to be part of it.”
Final Thoughts: A Team That’s Truly Ours
In a sports world filled with short-term fixes and franchise drama, the Amarillo Warbirds offer something rare: stability, vision, and a genuine connection to the city.
This isn’t just about football.
It’s about families finding a new weekend tradition.
It’s about kids dreaming of wearing that jersey one day.
It’s about community pride, unity, and showing what Amarillo can do when it rallies behind something real.
