The Kentucky Barrels are gearing up to bring thrilling Arena Football One action to Truist Arena at Northern Kentucky University, as they unveil their 2026 home and away schedule. The team will kick off their home campaign with an exciting matchup against the Michigan Arsenal, with their final home game before the playoffs set to feature a showdown with the 2025 AF1 Champion Albany Firebirds!

Established in 2025, the Kentucky Barrels are bringing Arena Football back to the Ohio Valley in 2026. As a new expansion team in Arena Football One, the Barrels will play their inaugural season at Truist Arena on the campus of Northern Kentucky University.

The Barrels are owned by local businessman, Corey Cunningham, an NKU alum, who’s committed to building something special for fans and the community. His goal: to deliver high energy, fan first experience that brings the community together both on and off the field.

Leading the Barrels will be Head Coach Cedric Walker, who spent the last two seasons leading the Billings Outlaws. Walker was instrumental in leading the Outlaws to a Championship in 2024 and will bring that same competitive edge to Kentucky.

The Kentucky Barrels are ready to bring the action, and noise, to Truist Arena as they begin their quest for the Arena Crown.