Year in and year out, we see numerous changes in the indoor and arena football space. Though it isn’t very often we see change that we can collectively agree is good, or even great. While this may be just an opinion, the 25-26 Rouxgaroux off-season has seen significant improvement over any other league or team’s moves in all of the sport (outside of the Streaming deals in the IFL).
If you looked at the product on and off the field for the Rouxgaroux in 2025, it was horrid. Bad play, overall disorganization, and even a lack of uniforms in a league game. The season went so poorly that the biggest rival that formed was that of a now-defunct Developmental team. If you jump forward to the moves that have been made since, you would have a hard time believing your eyes.
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Ownership:
Keith Carter was a part of the franchise in 2025, but wasn’t the sole owner; that all changed this postseason. In mid-September, he took full control of the franchise and immediately started making changes. Carter’s ownership appears to have rebuilt the foundation forthe Rouxgaroux heading into year 2.
After the end-of-year disaster, the franchise in 2025, most of us saw them as a one-and-done, but Carter and Company have put in the legwork to make this a viable franchise. A list was created with all the visible changes, but it was honestly way too long to include in one article. Here are the biggest and most noticeable changes and upgrades:
Arena Upgrade:
The 2025 arena wasn’t terrible and is suitable for an up-and-coming team. Though it wasn’t bad, Brookshire Grocery Arena is a major upgrade in every way. Starting off, it’s nearly 4,000 seats bigger and was upgraded with modern amenities in 2018. The center overhang video board offers limitless possibilities to the Rouxgaroux Media team.
It doesn’t hurt that it’s located near Shreveport Casinos, making it easy to market to the casual fan and casino goer. Overall, it will be an easy place to park, and a welcomed venue by fans that could see an attendance jump for Louisiana’s only true indoor football team in March.
Growing the Brand Online:
While this is something that won’t affect the on-field play, it is something that makes the difference between a team ending up like the Jersey Flight or the Omaha Beef. A solid brand that a city, and sometimes a state, can latch onto and claim as its own is everything in the fifty-yard game! Carter and his staff have done a wonderful job with this.
First off, there is the community outreach; it seems like weekly he or his team are at an event in the community. For example, the post and team promotion at the Liberty Bowl. It was an inexpensive and effective way to get the Rouxgaroux brand out that was well-received.
Keith Carter has been all around speaking on the region, team, and even on how his business experience can contribute to long-term success. The Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program talk was one of the most exciting, as he revealed plans for growing the fan base. Even later on, he talked about the partnership with non-profits to give out tickets. He would go on to follow this up with a long list of podcast and radio interviews, trying to win back local and national support ( and most likely have).
It is absolutely incredible to see the online discourse change every time we get a little more information. If this wasn’t enough on its own, we have counted six Cameos of local creators and celebrities. While it may not be a huge deal, it does drum up excitement for locals, and butts in seats is a must.
Growing the Brand Locally:
As mentioned several times, you need local support to make any indoor/arena franchise work. This, as far as we can tell, has been a major point of emphasis for Rouxgaroux. First off, a “Fan Club Director” was hired,Heather Fontenot. That is one of many earmarks of a rising franchise, but it shows that the Roux are very serious about catching local attention.
As the weeks have gone on, we have seen a very successful fan shop on the South Boardwalk. What better way to find fans than to get them decked out in your teams gear!?
We saved the biggest two for last, the two that you see with long-standing teams like the Beef, Blizzard, and even the Firebirds do. It’s the kind of thing that pulls the old fans back in and ensures new fans find the game.
Roux Time Podcast:
Similar to others, it brings the coaches, players, and staff to the absolute forefront. In a personal, literally a curbside format, you get the chance to meet everyone from the ownership to the front office staff. In 8-15 minute segments that give you all the detail, and a feel for the passion there is for the fifty-yard game in the organization. We can tell you all we want, but you should click the tittle to check it out.
Open House:
A what? Well, it was called “Tour the Den”, and on a separate day, an actual open house was held. The first mentioned was more of a pick your seat (or sideline suite), which meant to draw in sponsorship. It gave local business ownership and those with the funds the chance to see the entire gameday set up months ahead of time, and meet the staff. We have no doubts that the events had the desired effect. The buzz around it was unmatched with fans, and Rouxgaroux seemed to announce a bit of new sponsorship following it. If you’re curious, check the socials; it will all speak for itself.
Overall, you could argue that these things should be standard! Truthfully you wouldn’t be wrong, but in the current landscape, it’s not always the case. Our hats are off to Keith Carter; he has had the vision to put together a solid staff and pull back the Rouxgaroux from the clutches of dormancy. It is a feat you don’t often see.
Absolutely nothing makes a fanatic of the indoor game smile like seeing a team you had no faith in rebound, rebrand, and come back stronger. We are excited and hopeful to see an even better on-field product in 2026. In a later article, we will preview all of the NAL, including Louisiana. So, check back on Shady Sports Network in the near future for even more in-depth coverage!
Check out the Rouxgaroux Facebook & YouTube for the Podcast and see for yourself how the franchise has been revolutionized for the 2026 season.
- National Arena League (NAL): Week 3 Review
- Shady Sports Alternative Football Betting Guide
- All American Run Down Part 5
- National Arena League: Week 2 Review
- NLFA: Development Begins with Coaching
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