City: Phoenix, AZ

Category: Spectator Sports

Telephone: (485) 985-3292

Address: 201 E. Jefferson St.

Description: In many ways, the Rattlers are more popular in Arizona than the long-suffering Cardinals. Arena ball is fast and explosive, so it attracts footballs fans with a shorter attention span than Xs- and Os-loving NFL fans. Everyone in Arena League plays offense and defense with the exception of the kicker, quarterback, offensive specialist, kick returner, and 2 defensive specialists. The high-­scoring games help football-starved fans get through the spring. The off-field atmosphere is raucous, with lots of flashing lights, ear-splitting music, and sound effects. There are plenty of giveaways. Halftime and pregame festivities feature the team mascot, Fang, a fierce-looking biker who rides into the arena on a huge Harley to rev up the crowd (and his motorcycle).The Rattlers played under coach Danny White, the former Dallas Cowboys and Arizona State University quarterback, until 2006, when they burned through a couple of coaches. In 2003 wide receiver Randy Gatewood was named the league’s Ironman of the Year, and the Rattlers became the first team in AFL history to score 80-plus points in consecutive games. The team sports a sharp rattlesnake logo, easily recognizable in the Valley. Rattlers’ gear is available at the Team Shop in the arena. The team is involved in many community events and sponsors a flag-football tournament.The Rattlers’ 16-game season begins in February and ends in June. Single-game tickets range from $10 in a single upper end zone to $110.