What Is 2010 Iowa Barnstormers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2010 Iowa Barnstormers were an Arena Football League (AFL) team based in Des Moines, finishing the regular season with a 10–8 record and advancing to the conference semifinals before losing to the Tampa Bay Storm. The team played its home games at Wells Fargo Arena and was led by head coach Mike Hohensee.

Key Facts

The 2010 Iowa Barnstormers finished the regular season with a 10–8 win-loss record
They played in the Arena Football League (AFL) and were based in Des Moines, Iowa
Head coach Mike Hohensee led the team during the 2010 season
The Barnstormers played home games at Wells Fargo Arena
They advanced to the conference semifinals but lost to the Tampa Bay Storm

Overview

The 2010 Iowa Barnstormers were a professional arena football team competing in the Arena Football League (AFL), representing Des Moines, Iowa. After a hiatus since their original run ended in 2008, the team returned as an expansion franchise in 2010, reviving a brand known for high-energy indoor football.

Under the leadership of head coach Mike Hohensee, the Barnstormers achieved a competitive record in their inaugural comeback season. They played in the Central Division of the National Conference and brought renewed excitement to Iowa sports fans with their fast-paced, high-scoring games.

Record: The team finished the regular season with a 10–8 win-loss record, placing second in the Central Division and qualifying for the playoffs.
Home Venue: All home games were held at Wells Fargo Arena, a 17,000-seat venue in downtown Des Moines that provided a loud, intimate atmosphere for fans.
Head Coach:Mike Hohensee, a veteran of arena football, served as head coach and brought strategic discipline to the team’s offensive and defensive schemes.
Playoff Run: The Barnstormers advanced to the conference semifinals but were defeated 59–52 by the Tampa Bay Storm, ending their postseason run.
Notable Player: Quarterback Clint Dolezel was a key contributor, bringing experience from previous AFL seasons and leadership on the field.

Season Performance

The 2010 season showcased the Barnstormers’ resilience and adaptability in a league known for its fast pace and high scoring. Despite being a new iteration of the franchise, the team quickly established a competitive identity.

Offensive Output: The team averaged 52.3 points per game, ranking them among the top half of the AFL in scoring during the regular season.
Defensive Performance: They allowed an average of 48.7 points per game, indicating a high-octane style that prioritized speed over defensive conservatism.
Division Standing: They finished second in the Central Division, behind the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz, who had a slightly better 11–7 record.
Regular Season Start: The Barnstormers opened the season with a 64–41 win over the Spokane Shock on April 3, 2010, setting a strong tone.
Key Rivalry: Their matchups against the Chicago Rush were particularly intense, drawing large crowds and national attention.
Attendance: Average attendance hovered around 8,500 fans per game, reflecting solid regional support for the revived franchise.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2010 Iowa Barnstormers with other Central Division teams in the AFL:

Team	Record (W-L)	Points For	Points Against	Playoff Result
Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz	11–7	984	922	Lost in Conference Finals
Iowa Barnstormers	10–8	942	877	Lost in Semifinals
Alabama Vipers	10–8	1,012	938	Lost in Semifinals
Chicago Rush	4–14	826	1,034	Did not qualify
Spokane Shock	13–5	1,089	899	Lost in Conference Finals

The 2010 Iowa Barnstormers held their own in a competitive division, matching the Alabama Vipers’ playoff result despite slightly lower scoring totals. Their balanced performance reflected a well-coached team adapting quickly to the AFL’s demanding schedule and style.

Why It Matters

The 2010 season was significant for the Iowa Barnstormers as it marked the revival of a beloved regional sports brand and demonstrated the viability of arena football in mid-sized markets.

Revival of a Franchise: The return of the Barnstormers in 2010 brought back professional indoor football to Iowa after a two-year absence.
Community Engagement: The team hosted youth clinics and school visits, strengthening ties between the franchise and central Iowa communities.
Media Exposure: Games were broadcast on local TV and online, increasing visibility for the AFL and the Des Moines market.
Player Development: The Barnstormers served as a platform for players to showcase talent, with some advancing to NFL or CFL opportunities.
Economic Impact: Home games generated revenue for downtown Des Moines businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and parking services.
Legacy: The 2010 season laid the foundation for continued operations through 2015, before transitioning to the Indoor Football League.

The 2010 Iowa Barnstormers season was a successful reboot that combined competitive play with community involvement, leaving a lasting imprint on Iowa’s sports landscape.