Iowa Barnstormers to return in 2008

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DES MOINES — The Iowa Barnstormers will resume operations in 2008 as a member of the Arena Football League 2, league officials said.

League president Jerry Kurz said Wednesday that the league’s owners have given their approval to an investor group headed by Ankeny lawyer Jeff Lamberti and Des Moines-area businessman Dan Stanbrough, according to a copyright story in the Des Moines Register.

Arena Football 2, or af2, is the Arena Football League’s developmental circuit. The indoor league, which plays in the spring and early summer, has the same rules as the AFL.

The move to bring arena football back to Des Moines marks the end of a significant effort by arena football founder Jim Foster and league officials.

The original Barnstormers played at Veterans Memorial Auditorium from 1995-2000, as part of the AFL, before relocating to New York. The team was reformed as an af2 franchise for the 2001 season but folded after one season.

The Barnstormers hope to play in Wells Fargo Arena. Lamberti said negotiations with Matt Homan, general manager of Wells Fargo Arena, have progressed well, but that an agreement needs to be completed.

Lamberti said Polk County officials also are involved in the negotiating process.

Des Moines is the third city to be awarded a new team for the 2008 season. Franchises in Biloxi, Miss., and Peoria, Ill., also have been approved.

Could there be a new Arena fan in Iowa now??

Possibily. I used to be a fan before. I also knew two of the owners. But AF2? Eh, we'll see.