It has been 20 years since arena football made its debut in San Diego. Back in 2002, Gil Saidy founded the San Diego Riptide, a professional arena football team that was a member of the AF2 league. The team called the San Diego Sports Arena home and would play four seasons here before the AF2 folded in 2005.

The Strike Force plan to throw one heck of a homecoming party for professional football on March 28th. This city has not had a pro football team to cheer for in almost three years. One might argue that there hasn't been any real excitement about football in San Diego in over five. That's all about to change. 

The Strike Force will play their 2022 home opener in the same building where it all started for the Riptide two decades ago, officially kicking off a new era of arena-style football in this city. As this team looks to the future, they'll honor and recognize two men who were a key part of the arena football's formative years in San Diego.


 Saidy will join the Strike Force team captains on the field for the official coin toss prior to kickoff. The Strike Force also plan to retire the number of Rico Curtis, who is the AF2's all-time tackles leader. Curtis was a football standout at San Diego State and played with the Riptide for all four of their seasons. He is the only player in Riptide history to have his number retired. Come March 28th, his number 37 will be the first number retired in Strike Force history. 

If you haven't gotten your tickets yet for Monday night's game at the Pechanga Arena, you're going to want to get them now. Don't miss out on the most anticipated matchup of the season and all that will come with it! Exciting, Adrenaline-pumping action on the field accompanied by fun, family-friendly activities off it. Kickoff is set for 7:05 P.M. Pacific Time. We can't wait to get loud with you San Diego! Our guys are ready to put on a show for you!