The Massachusetts Pirates, Champions of the Indoor Football League, have announced they will play eight home games at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center on their 2022 schedule. Highlights include a season opening celebration, three first-time opponents making an appearance in Worcester and three Sunday afternoon games including a special Fathers’ Day promotion.
On March 12 at 7:05pm, Massachusetts will open their title defense against the Frisco Fighters as the Pirates will unveil their 2021 Championship banner before kickoff. In just one season, the Pirates established an exciting rivalry with Frisco going two and one against the Fighters last year. Last June, the 40-33 loss at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center was the last setback suffered by the Pirates in the IFL. Since that game the Pirates have run off 11 consecutive victories. On the road, the Pirates handed the Fighters their first ever loss in the IFL; 38-37, with Josh Gable kicking a game winning 27-yard field goal as time expired. In the most recent meeting, the Pirates used home field advantage to defeat Frisco 43-22 in the IFL semifinals to advance to the United Bowl.
In the month of April, Pirate Nation will have two chances to take in a home game. Sunday, April 3rd is the date the Quad Cities Steamwheelers will make their first trip ever to Worcester with kickoff set for 1:05pm. The Steamwheelers are the first of three new opponents that Pirates’ fans will see in 2022. Massachusetts will end the month with the Iowa Barnstormers visiting the Bay State on Saturday, the 23rd at 7:05pm.
The Pirates will have three home dates in the month of May. A first-year expansion team, the Vegas Knight Hawks will see the Pirates’ blue turf for the first time on Sunday, May 1st at 1:05pm. On Saturday, May 21, the Sioux Falls Storm will play their initial game against the Pirates with a 7:05pm start. The following Saturday, May 28 at 7:05pm, (Memorial Day weekend) the Pirates will host the Bismarck Bucks; a team they defeated three times during their championship run including a 44-19 victory in round one of the IFL playoffs.
In the final two home games in the month of June, the Pirates will face a pair of teams that recorded victories against them last season. The Pirates however did right their ship winning the second meetings later in their championship season to establish a franchise record for most victories and consecutive wins.
On Saturday, June 11 the Pirates meet the Green Bay Blizzard at 7:05pm. Massachusetts lost to the Blizzard on the road and then gained revenge with a 50-33 victory at home. The final home game of the regular season will see the Pirates taking on the Spokane Shock on Fathers’ Day, Sunday, June 19 at 1:05pm. All fathers will receive free entry to the game. Last season the Shock defeated the Pirates in their home opener 34-26 but Massachusetts turned the tables in Spokane, winning in double overtime 63-57.
The 2021 United Bowl Champions; Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Pirates play all home games at 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. For 2022 season, half-season, luxury, or group ticket packages please call 508-452-MASS (6277) or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com/tickets. Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates.