Three years ago this week Arena Football the city of Worcester watched their first arena football game in almost a decade’s time. As the upcoming season is approaching, the Massachusetts Pirates are taking a look back at this historical week for them. April 7th to 13th holds significant value to the organization as it was a special time in their history.
Back in November of 2017 the Massachusetts Pirates were announced as members of the National Arena League, later moving to the Indoor Football League in August of 2020. On April 7th, 2018 the Pirates had their first game ever at the DCU Center in Worcester. This matchup was against the Maine Mammoths resulting in their very first victory with a final score of 51-24. After this win the team continued fighting through, finishing the regular season having the league’s best record of 11-5 to earn the top seed in the playoffs. The year ended with numerous honors for the Pirates including NAL MVP, NAL Coach of the Year, and several All-NAL first and second-team honors. Also, the Pirates beloved mascot, Arthur, was honored as the league’s best.
After a victorious first season, the Pirates were prepared to enter Year Two with determination. April 13th, 2019 was named “Opening Night Pirate Party” for the home opener against the Carolina Cobras. This matchup resulted in a loss however despite a slow start the Pirates went on a six-game winning streak that brought them to the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Additionally once again this season provided many honors to the Pirates including three players earning First Team All-NAL, four with All-Second Team awards, and one NAL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The Massachusetts Pirates are always performing their best on the field, but off the field is where they are a leading performer. Since becoming a professional arena football team the Pirates have emphasized themselves as a community-first sports organization. On April 10th, 2019 the team visited UMASS Memorial Medical Center to spend time with the children. This is one of the team’s favorite trips of the year and contributes to their philanthropic involvement. In 2019 the Pirates received the Best Community Relations and Best Media Relations within the National Arena League and are hoping to achieve those awards this season in the Indoor Football League.
The Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Pirates play all home games on Phoenix Field at the DCU Center located at 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA. 01608. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508) 452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com. Single-game tickets will be available soon at ticketmaster.com or the DCU Center Box Office. For season, half-season, luxury, or group ticket packages please call 508-452-MASS (6277). Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates. #GetHooked #AllAboard