Media release from the Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism and the Forum River Center:
Rome will soon be home to a new professional arena football team, as the Rome Red Cats were officially unveiled Tuesday during a press conference at the Forum River Center.
The Red Cats will compete in the American Arena League, with play scheduled to begin in April 2027. The team plans to play between 4 to 6 home games and 4 to 6 away during its inaugural season, with the Forum River Center serving as the key venue for the team’s home schedule.
The ownership group includes Kacee Smith, Richard Maslia and head coach and co-owner James Moreland. Smith and Maslia previously served as co-owners of the Columbus Lions for five years, while Moreland brings 13 years of experience in arena football, including nine seasons that resulted in championships.
“We just think Rome is a great market,” Smith said. He also reflected on the city’s history with arena football, saying he was a big fan of the former Rome Renegades. Smith praised the Forum River Center and its staff for helping prepare for the team’s arrival. “Jay Shell at the Forum has been phenomenal to work with,” Smith said, noting that Shell has helped the team secure several good dates for its upcoming games.”
The Red Cats intend to make games accessible to local fans, with ticket prices expected to fall in the $10-$20 range. The team also plans to introduce a season-ticket package in the near future.
Fans can expect improvements to the Forum River Center experience as the team takes the field. Planned video board improvements will enhance the in-arena experience, while the ability to livestream games is expected to expand the team’s reach and provide additional opportunities for fans to follow the Red Cats.
Moreland said the team also plans to hold practices at various venues between Rome and Atlanta, as well as at the Forum.
In his 13 years involved in arena football, Moreland has helped nearly 80 players advance to higher levels of professional football, adding a player-development component to the Red Cats’ mission.
The American Arena League, headquartered in Matawan, New Jersey, currently lists teams including the Wheeling West Virginia Miners, Columbus Lions, Jersey Bearcats, Mississippi Wolfpack, Texas Desperados and Tri-City Horsemen.
The team’s website, www.romeredcats.com, is scheduled to go live Tuesday evening, providing fans with additional information about the team, upcoming games, tickets and season-ticket opportunities.
The Rome Red Cats are looking forward to bringing professional arena football back to Rome and building a strong connection with fans throughout the community.
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