Arena football back in Northern Kentucky is exactly four months away.
The Kentucky Barrels, a new team in the Arena Football One league, released their schedule on Friday. Their first home game is April 12 against the Michigan Arsenal. They’ll play six home games at Northern Kentucky University’s Truist Arena in a 12-game regular season that runs to July 11.
The Barrels home dates are April 12 (Michigan Arsenal), April 19 (Oceanside Bombers), May 3 (Nashville Kats), May 17 (Beaumont Renegades), June 13 (Oregon Lightning) and June 27 (Albany Firebirds).
They’ve recently announced a couple of players to the team that include former Ohio State receiver Jalin Marshall. They currently have 30 players listed on the roster on the team’s page on the AF1 website.
Arena Football One has 10 teams listed on the website for the 2026 season. They are the Albany Firebirds, Beaumont Renegades, Billings Outlaws, Kentucky Barrels, Michigan Arsenal, Minnesota Monsters, Nashville Kats, Oceanside Bombers, Oregon Lightning and Washington Wolfpack.
Season Tickets are on sale now at the Truist Arena Box Office or online at
https://am.ticketmaster.com/nku/buy?id=MTgz. Packages and Single Game Tickets on sale dates will be announced soon.
About Kentucky Barrels
Owned by local entrepreneur and proud NKU alum Corey Cunningham, the Barrels aim to deliver an unforgettable game-day experience while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a passion for both football and the region, Cunningham is committed to building a team that fans can rally behind, on and off the field.
Leading the charge on the sidelines is Head Coach Cedric Walker, who joins the Barrels after a successful run with the Billings Outlaws. Walker helped guide the Outlaws to a Championship in 2024 and brings a winning mindset and deep knowledge of the game to Kentucky.
The 2026 season will kick off on April 12 and The Kentucky Barrels are ready to make some noise in their quest for the Arena Crown.
About Arena Football One (AF1)
Founded in September 2024, Arena Football One (AF1) wrapped up its first season in 2025 with eight founding teams. Led by Commissioner Jeff Fisher, the league delivers the fast-paced, high-energy action fans expect from arena football – launching with a national TV deal on VICE TV and a debut season full of competitive games and memorable moments.
With legacy teams like the Albany Firebirds and Nashville Kats and emerging brands like the Washington Wolfpack and Southwest Kansas Storm, AF1 is building a coast-to-coast brand that delivers up close and personal Arena Football action to fans nationwide.