Indoor Pro Football Returns To Tulsa, Tryouts Saturday

Professional indoor football is returning to Tulsa. The Oklahoma Defenders is Oklahoma's newest sports team that will be one of eight teams playing in the American Professional Football League (APFL).

"I am enthused about the opportunity to bring professional indoor football back to Tulsa," said Defenders Owner and General Manager Lamar Baker.

The Defenders will play their games at the Expo Square Pavilion and the first open tryout is scheduled for Saturday, January 14.

The tryouts will also take place at Expo Square. Those interested can pre-register by visiting the team's web site oklahomadefenders.com or by calling 918-403-9926. The try out fee is $40 if pre-registered or $50 the day of the event.

The schedule will kick off March 24 on the road against the Sioux City Bandits, and the Defenders will return hope for the home opener March 31 when they host the Council Bluffs Express.

The Defenders have already signed some talented local players including East Central standout Bobby Blackshire who went on to play at the University of Tulsa. He also spent some time with the Baltimore Ravens.

Another former TU player and long-time Tulsa Talon player, Antwan Floyd, has also signed with the Defenders. Floyd helped the Talons to their 2007 Arena II championship.

"We are working to make the Defenders a team that people "can't stop talking about," said Baker. "The APFL focuses on highlighting local talent, of which Green Country has plenty. Many families and football enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the rewarding experience of getting to continue to watch players they have followed throughout their high school, local college, semi-professional, or NFL level careers."

One of the unique things about the APFL is the 90 mile rule. All players and coaches must live or work within 90 miles of the host team.

"I feel we have a perfect fit in the APFL, a league that is unique because it requires players to live within 90 miles of the stadium," added Baker. "We also have many ideas that we are putting into motion for a great family experience at the games including contests, a variety of halftime and time-out entertainment events, a kids zone, special birthday parties, group packages, etc."

Tulsa will join teams from Cheyenne, WY, Denver, CO, Topeka, KS, Sioux City, IA, Council Bluffs, IA, Sedalia, MO and Springfield, MO.

Oklahoma Defenders  2012 Schedule:
March 24, 2012- Oklahoma Defenders @ Sioux City Bandits, 7:05 p.m.
March 31, 2012- Council Bluffs Express @ Oklahoma Defenders, 7:05 p.m.
April 7, 2012- Cheyenne Warriors @ Oklahoma Defenders, 7:05 p.m.
April 14, 2012-Open
April 21, Sioux City Bandits @ Oklahoma Defenders, 7:05 p.m.
April 28, 2012- Oklahoma Defenders @ Kansas Koyotes, 7:05 p.m.
May 5, 2012- Open
May 12, 2012- Oklahoma Defenders @ Springfield Wolfpack, 7:05 p.m.
May 19, 2012- Oklahoma Defenders @ Colorado Lightening, 7:05 p.m.
May 26, 2012- Springfield Wolfpack @ Oklahoma Defenders, 7:05 p.m.
June 2, 2012-Kansas Koyotes @ Oklahoma Defenders, 7:05 p.m.
June 9, 2012- Open
June 16, 2012- @ Mid Missouri Outlaws, 7:05 p.m.
June, 23, 2012- Oklahoma Defenders @ Council Bluffs Express, 7:05 p.m.
June 30, 2012- Mid Missouri Outlaws @ Oklahoma Defenders, 7:05 p.m.
July 7, 2012-APFL Playoffs
July 14, 2012- APFL Championship