The Dallas Falcons are a recent addition to the American Indoor Football Alliance, operating as a travel team, all of their games currently amount to away games. This is not a unique way for a team launching their path in a new league. While travel is often a large cost in any team operation, often times one of the largest expenses any team faces is the lease of a venue for home games.
This cost can go up or down based on several factors, but one way to avoid that initial start up cost is to simply play as a travel team. Now not always is this a viable option due to the lack of visibility in their local market. This issue is likely not as large of a factor for the Falcons who played in the Texas based 8MIFL prior to joining the AIFA. This allowed them to get creative and utilize the travel team method to save their funds and work toward a stable foundation for the future.
That future has arrived. The Falcons ownership group has found a home for their 2024 season in hopes of becoming a staple in the community they call home, permanently. The arena features on site kitchens, and a large lower bowl where the field will reside full-time, not requiring tear down after game which can’t be said for every team’s facilities. This factor also helps reduce costs to the team, and should result in a great solution for the team.
Hopkins County Regional Civic Center
This venue known as the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center is located in Sulphur Springs, Texas. It’s a multi-use facility used to host concerts, stock shows, trade shows, community events, and even weddings. In 2024 they add Indoor Football to that list.
It recently underwent a $5 million dollar renovation thanks to the Sulphur Springs Independent School District which made it more feasible for the Falcons to use. It now features 1,250 seats, which won’t blow anyone away in terms of overall attendance numbers but it should create an intimate atmosphere where the fans can pack the house.
The arena also features an auditorium, office area, concession stand, and board room all renovated in 2013 as well updating the appearance and creating a more modern look. The biggest advantage for the Falcons is the ability to setup and leave their field in place during their season which reduces cost to the team and makes for a more professional feel to the arena. The Civic Center will serve as official home for all home games, and team meetings. The team will use other practice facilities. Stay tuned Dallas, the Falcons are coming home in 2024.
Remembering Coach Brandon Raglin
On to more somber news, the Falcons may be celebrating the agreement on the new venue but they are mourning the loss of their head coach. Brandon Raglin has unfortunately passed away just a month before his 29th birthday. I wanted to share his obituary that honors Coach much better than my words ever could:
Obituary
Brandon “Lonnie” Ray Raglin was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on June 11, 1995, to parents of Jonathan & Vonsheila Raglin. Brandon attended school at the tender age of 3 at Candy College and continue his education at Baseline Elementary. Brandon confessed Christ at an early age and attended church regularly under the leadership of Pastor Willie Holloway and the Divine Grace Church. where he served as a junior deacon and showed love through ministry. Shortly after moving to Texas, he was under the convent of Bishop D.C Thompson and Pastor Cheryl Thompson at Miracle Temple Church of Deliverance.
Brandon’s parents moved to Texas when he was 11 years old, he attended Desoto ISD and graduated in 2013. During his middle school year, he started his love and passion for football. His education continued with college at Tyler Junior College, as well as Arlington Insitute as a CNA.
Brandon was known for his hard work and dedication in his own way, always keeping a smile. Brandon started several businesses to support his daughter such as his record label (Southern Soul Record), Phillps Cleaning service LLC., and Heartbreak Records, he also was a Co-Host to Podcast all about sports. Brandon was also Head Coach for the Dallas Falcon Football team here in Texas, whereas he has always loved sports. For him the highlight of his life was the birth of his daughter K’Lynn Kristin Rai Raglin she was his Princess. They often referred to each other as “BIG DAWG”. He was an awesome father to her.
Brandon was preceded in death by his Papa Rufus Raglin Jr. Brandon leaves to cherish his memory father, Jonathan Raglin, mother Vonsheila Raglin, sister Bredasia Raglin, brother Braylun “Bino” Raglin. His precious daughter K’Lynn Raglin (Ling). Grandmothers Janie Tooks and Henrietta Stewart. Grandfather Ronnie Cooksey, Great Grandmother (Nanny) Lela Phillips. Aunts Erica Evans, Veronica (Joe) Wilks Wilburn. Uncles: Charles (Shanettra) Lipsie, Daniel (Stacy) Nelson, Michael Raglin Sr., David Raglin Sr., Rick Evans, and Rufus Stelivan. Brandon came from a large family with a host of cousins, great aunt and uncles, family and friends.- Found on http://www.Tributearchive.com.
The team has setup a go fund me in an effort to donate $10,000 to his family for funeral costs, so far they have raised over half that goal in just over two weeks pleas find it in your hearts to donate today.
This Week’s Game
This weekend two of the newest members in the AIFA the Dallas Falcons, and the Columbus Lions will face off to see which team can claim dominance. This should be a great match-up so make sure to get your tickets today to watch the game!
The Dallas Falcons, are sponsored by Wolf 10 Solar. Visit their website today, to contact them and schedule a quote to get Solar installed at your home. Also don’t forget to follow the team on facebook to make sure you get all the latest updates about the team.
