Ector County Coliseum Director Aaron Martin opened his remarks to the county commissioners on Tuesday with a simple message, “football is coming back.”
The county commissioners approved a use permit agreement with American Indoor Football for the 2026 and 2027 seasons for the Odessa Drillers. Odessa was announced as the league’s newest franchise Oct. 9 and will debut in 2026.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMartin said the coliseum will host seven home games and pay a guaranteed $49,000 per year in rent to cover required staffing. He added the league will return a facility fee on each ticket sold and all concession sales will remain with the county.
Ector County Coliseum previously hosted several indoor football franchises. From 2004 to 2012, the coliseum hosted the Odessa/West Texas Roughnecks. The West Texas Wildcatters of the Lone Star Football League also played at the venue.
From 2021 to 2024, the coliseum hosted the West Texas Warbirds/Dessert Hawks.
Martin said the deal approved Tuesday is a “much better deal” than it had with prior tenants and it ensures the county covers its expenses.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe said the league is working under the assumption of home attendance being around 1,400 but is hoping for more.
Commissioners also approved a measure allowing businesses to advertise on the six illuminated panels on the Ector County Coliseum’s marquee.
Martin said these sponsorships apply to only the static panels, as the digital message board is reserved for event information.
He added the county is looking to recoup money spent in five years, as the signs have a 10-year life span. This would allow the county to replace the sign with sponsorship money, saving tax payer money.
Martin said businesses are responsible for artwork, production and installation of the signage.
The post New indoor football team to play in Coliseum appeared first on Odessa American.
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