Ohio Valley Ironmen Announce Inaugural Season at Monarch Stadium
MOUNDSVILLE – The Ohio Valley Ironmen, entering the International Football Alliance (IFA), have announced Monarch Stadium in Moundsville as their home stadium for the upcoming inaugural season. The announcement was made by General Manager and Head Coach Manny Matsakis, alongside John Marshall High School Athletic Director Roger Simons, on Tuesday.
The team is set to make its home debut on Saturday, June 14, hosting the San Antonio Caballeros, led by notable coaches Hal Mumme and Brian Billick. Matsakis cited the community and location as pivotal factors for choosing Monarch Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 3,500 and recently underwent renovations to include an artificial playing surface, updated concessions, new locker rooms, bleachers, and a press box.
Simons expressed his initial intrigue towards the proposal and highlighted the collaborative efforts of local officials, including the principal and superintendent, to facilitate the arrangement. “We think this is a good way to showcase our new stadium and the improvements we made,” stated Simons.
The team’s recruitment process is also underway, with a recent tryout at Shadyside High School drawing nearly two dozen prospects, some traveling from as far away as Syracuse, New York, and Baltimore, Maryland. Matsakis noticed a strong showing of quarterbacks, indicating positive competition within the squad.
Looking ahead, the Ironmen are in discussions for merchandise and ticketing, with reserved seating going on sale in December. The inaugural IFA draft is scheduled for March 21-22, 2025, in Huntsville, Alabama, alongside teams like the Dallas Pioneros and Baltimore Lightning. As the Ironmen gear up for their first season, local excitement builds for professional football in the Ohio Valley.
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