What Is 2019 Indoor Football League season

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Indoor Football League (IFL) season ran from March 16 to July 15, featuring 13 teams across the U.S. The Arizona Rattlers defeated the Massachusetts Pirates 47–34 in the United Bowl to claim the championship.

Key Facts

The 2019 IFL season began on March 16 and concluded with the United Bowl on July 15
Thirteen teams participated in the 2019 season, including expansion team Duke City Gladiators
Arizona Rattlers won the United Bowl XXII with a 47–34 victory over Massachusetts Pirates
Quarterback Darrell Monroe of the Rattlers was named MVP of the championship game
The regular season consisted of 12 games per team, followed by a four-team playoff bracket

Overview

The 2019 Indoor Football League season marked the 11th year of the professional indoor football league based in the United States. It featured a competitive 13-team lineup and culminated in a thrilling championship game that showcased high-scoring indoor football action.

Running from March to mid-July, the season introduced new teams, revised standings formats, and a restructured playoff system aimed at improving parity and fan engagement. The league maintained its focus on fast-paced, arena-style gameplay with regional matchups and national broadcasts.

March 16, 2019: Opening day saw seven games played across the league, kicking off a 12-week regular season schedule.
Duke City Gladiators: Entered as an expansion team based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, bringing the total to 13 franchises.
Regular season: Each team played 12 games, with standings determined by win-loss record and conference alignment.
Western Conference: Dominated by the Arizona Rattlers, who finished with an 11–1 record, the best in league history at the time.
Eastern Conference: Massachusetts Pirates emerged as champions after defeating the Carolina Cobras in the semifinals.

How It Works

The IFL operates on a modified indoor football format with unique rules, team structures, and postseason qualification criteria. Below are key elements that defined the 2019 season’s operational framework.

Game Duration: Each game consists of four 15-minute quarters with a 20-minute halftime, using a 50-yard field with rebound nets.
Scoring System: Standard football scoring applies, but the IFL allows one point for a conversion kick and two for a two-point conversion attempt.
Playoff Format: The top two teams from each conference advanced to a four-team single-elimination playoff bracket.
United Bowl: The championship game, officially United Bowl XXII, was held on July 15 at 7:05 PM at the Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix.
Player Eligibility: Rosters included a mix of veterans and rookies, with a salary cap of $275,000 per team to ensure competitive balance.
TV Coverage: Select games were broadcast on the IFL’s YouTube channel and regional sports networks, increasing national exposure.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2019 IFL season compared to previous years and other indoor leagues in structure and performance metrics.

Feature	2019 IFL	2018 IFL	AFL (2019)
Number of Teams	13	12	5
Regular Season Games	12	14	12
Championship Game	United Bowl XXII	United Bowl XXI	ArenaBowl XXXII
Attendance Average	~3,200 per game	~2,900 per game	~8,500 per game
League MVP	Darrell Monroe (QB, Arizona)	Isaiah Wynn (WR, Cedar Rapids)	Not awarded (AFL folded mid-season)

The 2019 season demonstrated growth in attendance and team stability compared to 2018, while the AFL struggled with financial issues and ultimately ceased operations mid-season. The IFL capitalized on this vacuum, attracting displaced players and fans.

Why It Matters

The 2019 IFL season was pivotal in establishing the league as a stable alternative to collapsing indoor football franchises. It demonstrated resilience, competitive balance, and growing regional interest.

Expansion Success: The addition of the Duke City Gladiators showed the league could grow into new markets with strong fan support.
Championship Visibility: The United Bowl was streamed live to over 120,000 viewers, boosting digital engagement.
Player Development: Several IFL athletes, including Darrell Monroe, received NFL workout invitations post-season.
Financial Stability: No teams folded during or after the 2019 season, a contrast to previous years’ volatility.
Media Growth: Increased YouTube viewership and regional TV deals signaled improving broadcast viability.
Competition Model: The balanced schedule and clear playoff path enhanced fan investment in late-season matchups.

The 2019 season laid the foundation for future expansion and long-term sustainability, positioning the IFL as a leading force in indoor football.