The Arizona Rattlers were established in 1992, joining the original Arena Football League (AFL) as an expansion team. Based in Phoenix, they quickly became a force in indoor football. Unlike many teams that needed years to find stability, the Rattlers hit the ground running.
Led by former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Danny White, the Rattlers brought structure, toughness, and a strong game plan. By their third season in 1994, they had already claimed their first championship by defeating the Orlando Predators in ArenaBowl VIII. That win wasn’t a fluke; it was the start of something much bigger.
Over the next two decades, the Rattlers built a winning culture that other franchises struggled to match. They made ten ArenaBowl appearances and won five titles: in 1994, 1997, 2012, 2013, and 2014. During those years, they were a fixture in the playoffs and often the team to beat. Much of that success came from a mix of reliable coaching, smart recruiting, and unwavering fan support.
Their games were played in the heart of Phoenix at America’s West Arena, later renamed Talking Stick Resort Arena. The venue was known for its electric atmosphere, especially during playoff runs. Fans stayed loyal through ups and downs, building one of the most dedicated fan bases in indoor football.
A League Change, But Still a Contender
By the mid-2010s, the AFL began facing serious challenges. Several franchises folded, and the future of the league became uncertain. Rather than wait it out, the Rattlers made a smart decision. In 2017, they left the AFL and joined the Indoor Football League (IFL), a smaller but growing organization.
The move didn’t affect fan turnout either. Support from across the state remained strong. Fans from Arizona continued to show up, especially as indoor football gained more exposure. The arrival of sports betting from Arizona, which became officially legal in 2021, added even more attention. More recently, bitcoin sports betting sites have been growing in popularity, offering Rattlers fans even more competitive odds and bigger bonuses so they can get more for their money when backing the team.
While the NFL grabs most of the headlines, the Rattlers became a popular pick for local sports bettors who wanted to follow a team with deep roots.
Some questioned whether they could adjust, but the Rattlers didn’t lose a step. They returned to their winning ways almost immediately, reaching the United Bowl in their first IFL season and continuing to compete at a high level in the years that followed.
Still Going Strong
Today, fans can catch the Arizona Rattlers taking the field at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. Leading the squad is head coach Kevin Guy, a fixture in the franchise who has earned the respect of the indoor football community nationally and is synonymous with Rattlers football.
More than thirty years after their debut, the Rattlers show no signs of slowing. They still uncover emerging talent, still rack up W’s, and still know how to get a crowd on its feet. Their legacy is painted in more than just championship trophies; it is a testament to perseverance, a commitment to excellence, and a constant demonstration of what sustained achievement in a volatile league truly looks like.
Across the Valley, the Rattlers are cemented in the conversation whenever Arizona teams come up. They remain the indoor franchise worth the time and admiration of every fan who wears the colors with pride.
