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Amarillo Warbirds Launch Pro Team Built on High School Foundation

The Amarillo Warbirds' entry into the National Arena League builds on local high school programs like the Sandies.

By Amarillo Sport Desk · Published July 19, 2026

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Amarillo Warbirds Launch Pro Team Built on High School Foundation — Photo: Larry Ziffle / https://www.flickr.com/photos/61051701@N00/7302577330 (CC-BY)

The Amarillo Warbirds joined the National Arena League for the 2026 season after rebranding from the West Texas Warbirds in Odessa. The team will play nine regular-season games, with home matches at the Amarillo Civic Center beginning March 13 against the Sioux City Bandits.

Local High School Programs Anchor the Scene

Amarillo High School fields the varsity Sandies football team in Black and Gold colors. The squad, coached by Chad Dunnam, competes in the 5A-1 Region I District 2 league during the 2025 season. These school-level efforts form the base layer of organized football across Amarillo.

Rebranding Brings Arena Football Home

The move to the Amarillo Civic Center places professional indoor arena football in a venue already familiar to local fans. The nine-game schedule provides a direct connection point between established high school competition and the new professional franchise.

Season Schedule Offers Concrete Timeline

The 2026 regular season opens March 13 at the Amarillo Civic Center. This dated start gives residents a clear reference for following both the Warbirds and ongoing high school play in the same market.

Residents can track Sandies results through the 2025 district schedule and then follow the Warbirds nine-game slate once the professional season begins. The shared city venue and overlapping football interest create a continuous thread from school fields to the arena floor.

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