Arena Football League Overview
Since its creation in 1987, the Arena Football League has been an innovative presence in professional sports. The AFL's founders crafted a unique brand of football that features 8-on-8 competition on an indoor padded field that stands 85 feet by 50 yards. And for 20 years, the AFL has been synonymous with high-scoring excitement.
The indoor league has enjoyed phenomenal growth over the past two decades, expanding from four original teams to 19 franchises across the nation. In addition, several high-profile figures have invested in the bright future of the AFL and its franchises -- for example, rock legend Jon Bon Jovi is the majority owner of Philadelphia Soul, and NFL great John Elway is the co-owner of the Colorado Crush.
In May 2006, the AFL celebrated ArenaBowl XX -- its 20th championship game -- in Las Vegas. The Chicago Rush defeated the Orlando Predators in an action-packed shootout, 69-61, to capture the Arena Football crown.