Spring is here and that means so is Arena Football. If you haven't heard by now D.C. has a new team. If you're a Washington Redskins fan, that means you can finally get your football fix before September. In their inaugural season, the Washington Valor hit the field this Friday April 7^th  against another new expansion team, the Baltimore Brigade. Kickoff is set for 7pm at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. where the Valor will play all of their home games.

 

This game sets off a slate of promotional dates as this FIRST. GAME. EVER. includes a magnet schedule giveaway. All home games feature Valor Hour which offers $4 beer specials from 6-7pm and tickets start at just $10. Some other highlights from the Valor's promo schedule include RED, WHITE & BLUE JEANS on May 27th with a denim koozie giveaway and Youth Football Night on July 29th with a rally towel giveaway.

 

Touting star players such as wide receiver TT Toliver who ranks number one on several of the AFL's all-time list's and quarterback Erik Meyer who was named the 2013 Offensive Player of the Year, Head Coach Dean Cokinos has quite the roster to work with this season as the list goes on. Cokinos, who last year was the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach for the Tampa Bay Storm, has been coaching since 1990 and received the 2013 Coach of the Year award while coaching in the PIFL. I had a chance to meet him a few weeks ago at a team event and he was very enthusiastic about the start of the season.

 

If you're going to the FIRST. GAME. EVER. what should you expect? Touchdowns. The Brigade has got plenty of talent too. Head Coach Omarr Smith has seven combined ArenaBowl championships under his belt as both a player and coach. Baltimore's WR Reggie Gray, who was the 2015 ArenaBowl MVP and Rookie QB Shane Carden who put up some serious numbers in college are both sure to impress. Keep an eye out for big play makers from the Valor too, like defensive back Tracy Belton and WR Mike Washington.
 

Belton was named the league's 2016 Defensive Player of the Year and stacked up 9 interceptions last season. Washington has over 130 touchdowns during his career in the AFL. We're sure to witness a rivalry in the making. If you won't be there you can catch the game on CBS Sports Network, future games will be broadcast on Monumental Sports Network and CBS Sports.

Jon studied Business Management at the University of Pittsburgh and is originally from Maryland. An avid DMV sports fan, he often attends Capitals, Orioles, Wizards and Redskins games. Now a Washington Valor season plan holder and columnist for ArenaFan, he`ll be at every home game covering the team. He spends his free time with friends and family and freelancing graphic design projects. You can follow Jon on Twitter @5FIFTY3