By Tim Blasco

On May 30 2015 I saw something that is a very rare thing in Indoor/Arena Football. I watched a game get called because it was literally raining indoors. A York Capitals kicker literally kicked the sprinkler head off of the fire suppression system and the game was over. The entire arena started to flood and a myriad of issues ensued. The Capitals had a cozy home at the York Ice Arena. They had an ample crowd and loyal following and despite breaking things the management at the Ice Arena was quite accommodating. The Capitals had just simply outgrown their home and needed a bigger venue. They have now moved to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. A venue they’re sure to outgrow if their AIFL prowess continues.

The Capitals are owned by Isaac Carn and Coached by Harrisburg local Rick Marsilio. When talking to Mr. Carn earlier this week he said: “We are really excited to bring football back to the mid-state.” His excitement cannot be over stated. The Capitals host an impressive 10-0 record. In a sport that doesn’t host many venues for Pros outside of the NFL the AIFL and the Capitals provide quality entertainment and a chance for families to see professional football at a great price.

Last year the Chicago Blitz traveled to York for the AIFL Championship Game, only to watch York destroy them after such a long trip. The Capitals have a bigger venue and the AIFL is getting bigger too adding an entire West division with projected teams as far out west as St. Louis. The AIFL is not affiliated with the AFL, CFL or the NFL but it gives players a chance to get into those leagues. It also offers coaches and owners a chance to try their hand at the business. The AIFL is an exciting league that is hopefully here to stay.

Finally, the Penn Capitals thrive on attention. They are after all entertainers. If you find yourself in the bleak Pennsylvania spring time looking for a way to stay warm and entertained get out to an AIFL game this spring. It’s warm, there’s live football and it won’t break the bank. This year a rival with the new Philadelphia Yellow Jackets, and already rival ASI Panthers is bound to excite.