When you think of the most exciting experiences in all of arena ball, what states come to mind? Arizona? Iowa? Try Georgia, more specifically Columbus! The Columbus Lions game day experience is something any die-hard arena football fan should experience at least once.
Though it hasn’t always been this way. The Lions in their 20 seasons of play have seen ups and downs, championships, and .500 seasons. In recent years the wins kept rolling in, but the overall product began to suffer, but this off season, everything changed.
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League Change?
This past offseason was busy for the legacy Franchise, for multiple reasons. Right out of the gate it was a league change, something Columbus is no Stranger to. This change was mostly attributed to the fact that their former league, the NAL, was beginning to look more and more regional in the Midwest. Intern this was going to cause more and more expense on travel, especially plane rides to places like Dodge City and Omaha.
Instead, they opted to create a more regional, Eastern-based league, the American Arena League. The AAL is a reboot of a league that went fully defunct earlier in the decade. Wheeling also joined the cause, and the two paired with AAL2 call-ups Jersey and Mississippi created the continually building, four-team league for 2026. This solved many of the travel concerns and gave everyone involved the chance to mold the league into a more efficient, stable setup. A league that can expand when needed, but really grow from within.
Cue Roger Beck
This part of the off-season was absolutely the most pivotal part of the overall rise of Columbus on and off the field. Beck comes into the fold with an open mind, but also with a vision for the Lions. If you talk to the staff, some of whom have worked for the franchise well before he arrived, they are elated with the way he has handled things. During the game we got to experience, he was present, active busy making sure the game day experience was up to his standards, and overall easy to be around.
We could rave for days about the experience Shady Sports had at the draft, the experience at the Mississippi game in week 2, but it was only possible because of Beck. All of this leads us to the title, the game experience.
2026 Lions Experience
This past weekend wasn’t our first experience at a Lions game, in fact, when the Lions played in the NAL in 2025 we had the chance to attend a game against the Carolina Cobras. We aren’t in any way downplaying the experience we had then, we are simply pointing out all the upgrades we saw to facilities and fan experience
Facilities
This was the single most noticeable difference, and what most die-hard fans judge your entire franchise on. In 2025 the field was noticeably ageing, and in 2026 they rolled out a brand new field. As you can see below, it has a crispness to it, including the well-sized midfield logo. The Lionsused what is usually dead space to add revenue, the “0” in several places is replaced by the PepsiCo logo. They have even used the north endzone to place yet another sponsor.
The other was the purchase of brand-new dasher boards. If you watch around the indoor and arena football world you’ll find nice and poor quality versions. In Columbus, you’ll find a firm-to-the-wall, well-placed, and well-attached version that doesn’t come apart on contact. The top is branded for the “20th Season”, a theme that is prevalent throughout the arena. Every board is covered in sponsorship or partnership, some even for other local sports, the Clingstones and River Dragons.
This is all in addition to a practice facility that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else at this level of arena ball. It gave us the impression that Beck, his staff, and the Lions are regearing the franchise for the long haul. They saw the needs, made it all happen, and want to see it happen for 20 more seasons.
Overall, the upgrades give a look and feel that compete for some of the best in all of the sport, no matter the level or rule set.
Fan Experience
Outside of elevating players, and winning championships, why else do you put on the show? Well, the fans! While this is a pro-level sport, and the attraction to come out and watch the sport is already prevalent it’s also entertainment. If you strip away the football, the entertainment the Lions put on is amazing.
When you first walk in you notice the upgrades to the setup, the 20th season banners, and greatly upgraded team merch. As you progress your way up the smell of well-made game day food hits you, and follows you all the way into the stands!
Once in the stands, before the games begin you notice the lack of lighting, which is all intentional, the P.A. announcer follows this all up by announcing every Lions Coach.. all with light strictly focusing on the tunnel as they announce the best roster in the AAL, one player at a time. The hype this builds as a fan is electric! Ultimately the darkness slowly fades into light as you prepare for the National Anthem.. and then it’s game time!
Not only are you treated to the wildest version of American football that exists, but you also find that as the game goes on, every break in the action is met with fan interaction. Whether it be your typical t-shirt toss or team hype man.
The closer to the end of the game, the better the promos. As you see the buzzer sound for the half, you quickly hear the halftime entertainment begin, which for this game was AJ Robinson, from The Voice. This was followed up by a chance for a fan to win thousands of dollars on a Field Goal attempt! That alone is enough to draw even the most casual fan in! We can forget the golden ball toss! An event that gives fans a chance to win a golden nugget if they make the target and their ball is chosen.
Overall the fan experience has gone from base level to completely immersive. Even if you’re not local, the game experience alone is worth a long drive.
Huge shout out to Lee and Roger, for everything on game day, the inside look at the Lions, and fantastic hospitality! We at Shady Sports look forward to seeing the Lions, the AAL, and everyone involved grow and advance this season and beyond!
Article and On-Site Photographs all courtesy of Matt Ryzir. Please help support Shady Sports Network and your favorite writers by using our affiliate sponsor below. Also check out his other recent content below.
- National Arena League (NAL): Week 9 Review
- Columbus Lions 2026 Upgrade
- Everything AAL Week 3
- National Arena League (NAL): Week 8 Review
- EVERYTHING AAL Week 2
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