Professional Indoor Football Coming to West Texas in 2020
October 2, 2019 - Champions Indoor Football (CIF)
West Texas Warbirds News Release
ODESSA, TX - On Wednesday, representatives of Kertis Sports and Entertainment Group, along with Champions Indoor Football, announced the return of professional indoor football to west Texas. The team will play a 12-game season, beginning in late February. The CIF also has southern teams in Amarillo and Enid, Oklahoma. The yet to be named team will compete in the seven team CIF. Last week, the CIF announced they will partner with the National Arena League for the 2020 season. The partnership will expand the league footprint from Texas to Maine.
"Obviously, Texas is a football state and we know that this community is ready to rally around a professionally run, indoor football team," said COO and Managing Partner, Leif Kertis. "We are excited to launch in west Texas. Fans will experience an affordable, family activity paired with great football."
Kertis will be the managing partner of the new team as he, and his family, comprise Kertis Sports and Entertainment. Kertis is a 2005 graduate of Allen High School where he played football under legendary coaches Joe Martin and Tom Westerberg. He has earned two Master's degrees from West Texas A&M: Finance and Economics as well as an MBA. Kertis is currently working on a third Master's from Denver Seminary in Leadership. He has one daughter (Bailee) who fans will see with him at the games. In the past Kertis worked in different roles for the Amarillo Venom of the CIF, and was GM of the West Texas Rumbleweeds of the USAPSL during the 2019 season.
Kertis Sports and Entertainment Group is also made up of Michael and Eunice Kertis. Michael serving as the CEO, and Eunice serving as the CMO. As CEO Michael will bring his vast array of business knowledge to help shape the visions and strategies, while Eunice will bring her experience working for the Dallas Cowboys and Frisco Roughriders to ensure a first-class fan experience.
"The CIF is thrilled to be adding an organization with great leadership and a great market," said CIF Commissioner, Ricky Bertz. "Leif, and the entire Kertis Sports and Entertainment Group, are dedicated to bringing a top-notch product to the region and we can't wait for them to kick off in 2020."
More announcements will be coming soon regarding a name the team promotion, partnership opportunities and ticket sales. The team will be playing home games at Ector County Coliseum in Odessa, which has a capacity of over 5,000.
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Champions Indoor Football Stories from October 2, 2019
- Professional Indoor Football Coming to West Texas in 2020 - West Texas Warbirds
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