The Saginaw Sting are making a comeback, bringing indoor professional football back to Mid-Michigan.
Following a one-year break, the Saginaw Sting are returning to the Dow Event Center.
"I'm really excited. It's going to be high speed, fast paced, and getting the fans into it with this arena game," linebacker Mike McFadden said.
The season opens Friday night against the Eastern Kentucky Drillers. The Sting have seven home games on the Ultimate Indoor Football League schedule. Ticket prices begin at a family friendly price of $5.
"We'll be throwing T-shirts in the stands, thunder sticks for the fans. We'll have mini-ball tosses from the stands for a chance at a hot tub or a trip to sea world," quarterback Tommy Jones said.
Sting linebacker and Saginaw native Mike McFadden promises that the team will play an active role in the community, particularly within the schools. "We're going to teach them about hard work and how to become successful."
There's no question that the Sting have had a checkered past, but there's a new owner in place -- San Diego-based businessman Mike Esposito. Tommy Jones has played for him before. The quarterback says his teammates and team sponsors are in good hands. "He's not going to let you go without getting your paychecks or without having food or housing and that type of thing. We're trying to build in this community and earn their trust."
Adding some more credibility is Saginaw native and former Detroit Lion Stuart Schweigert, who has been hired as director of player development.
"It's really important to have a guy like Stuart involved. He has a great name in the community," McFadden said.
McFadden knows a little thing about winning championships. He won three national titles at Grand Valley State before moving on to the pros. After stops in the NFL, Canadian League and the Arena League, he's ready to win one more championship in his hometown of Saginaw.
"Oh, it would be great to win a championship. I want to see a packed house Friday night and I want to see a W - a win."
