photo courtesy of Billings Outlaws

Inside the Gridiron: Outlaw Football Returns to Billings

April 26, 2024

by brooke wagner

Are you ready for some…you guessed it: FOOTBALL! While most teams have wrapped up their season, one Billings team is just gearing up for the start of theirs. The Billings Outlaws are back and better than ever. The indoor football team begins their first year in the Arena Football League with a game this Saturday night (April 27) at 6:00 p.m.

The AFL was founded over 30 years ago, but has recently enjoyed renewed interest following a relaunch in 2023. The Outlaws were signed as the inaugural team to the league, and promise to deliver a mix of home-town appeal with big city excitement. Home games will be played at MetraPark, where goalside rebound nets keep any ball that bounces off the nets live and in play. The roster boasts 24 active members on the team, including Shepherd’s Tanner Harrell. Harrell went on to play for the Montana Western Bulldogs, and returns to his home turf in the position of Defensive Lineman and Tight End. Quarterbacks Danny Southwick and Isaac Harker lead the charge as the team takes on the Wichita Regulators this weekend in the season opener.

It’s important to owner and team president Steven Titus that the Outlaws offer an affordable, family-friendly experience where the players represent the team well both on and off the field. Titus says, “We have a team of guys with really great character - that’s important to us.” He notes that young fans have the chance to rub elbows with players throughout the season, and really be inspired not only by their skills on the field, but by who they are as role models in the community.

Fans will get a chance to get up close and personal with their favorite players through various events around town this weekend. On Friday, April 26th, the team is hosting a meet and greet followed by dinner at Kava Roots (928 Broadwater) from 6-8:30 p.m. Kickoff is on Saturday, April 27th at 6:00 p.m. sharp. The weekend wraps up with lunch with the Outlaws from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 28th at Jersey Mikes. Home games for the team last through June 20, and lead right into the playoffs which start the week of July 6th. For more information on how to get tickets and the latest Outlaw events, visit their website at www.outlawsfootball.com.

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Brooke Wagner

is a Southern girl at heart, but a Montanan by choice. She lives just outside of Billings with her husband and three children, ages 13, 11, and 6. She is a board-certified music therapist who enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and hiding under the covers with a good book.

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