The Des Moines football franchise that survived relocation and a decade of silence
In short: Born in 1995 as an expansion team for the Arena Football League, the Iowa Barnstormers have navigated a complex history of relocation, league shifts, and hiatuses. From playing in a venue nicknamed "The Barn" to winning a championship in 2018, this franchise remains a cornerstone of indoor football.
The Iowa Barnstormers' history is defined by multiple identities and league transitions. Founded in 1995 by Arena Football League creator Jim Foster, the original franchise played at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines. The team experienced significant success early on, including a Central Division title in 1996 and a second ArenaBowl appearance in 1997. However, the franchise faced a major turning point when it relocated to New York City and became the New York Dragons, driven by a desire for a larger market and the inadequacy of the Des Moines venue, which was often referred to as "The Barn."
The Barnstormers name and branding returned to Des Moines through several iterations. A developmental AF2 franchise was awarded to the city in 2001 but suspended operations after just one season due to low attendance. The brand was revived again in 2008, playing at the Wells Fargo Arena. This era saw the team return to the top-tier Arena Football League in 2010 as a charter member, though they struggled to attract top-tier free agents in the small Des Moines market.
The Barnstormers were the inaugural squad to transition straight from the AFL into the Indoor Football League (IFL) in 2015. This move allowed the team to focus on local talent and regional rivalries. The franchise eventually found championship success under head coach Dixie Wooten, who led the team to a United Bowl victory in 2018. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and leadership changes, the team continues to compete in the IFL, maintaining its unique aviation-themed identity.
The team's aesthetic is deeply tied to its name, featuring uniforms with goggles on the helmets, wings on the shoulders, and propellers on the pants. This theme is further represented by the team mascot, a dog named Ace.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Iowa Barnstormers
- Also: Wikidata — Iowa Barnstormers · CC0
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