The former Oregon High Desert Storm indoor football team is being rebranded as the Oregon Lightning and plans to play in the debut season of Arena Football One (AF1) in 2025, according to a news release from AF1.

The Lightning will play their home games next spring/summer at the First Interstate Bank Center at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond.

Chuck Jones, former coach of the High Desert Storm, which played in Redmond from 2021 to 2023, plans to return as coach of the Lightning. Jones is also part of the ownership group.

“I’ve seen Chuck’s dedication first-hand for over 20 years, and I’m excited to partner with these two on this incredible journey,” co-owner Sara Gumm was quoted in the release. “Together, we’re committed to the Oregon Lightning team and plan to light up the in-game experience in Central Oregon.”

The High Desert Storm was part of the now-defunct American West Football Conference.

Arena football is played indoors on a 50-yard field and includes eight players per team.

“We are incredibly excited to be bringing arena football to Bend,” AF1 commissioner Jeff Fisher was quoted in the release. “The hometown and home-grown roots of their organization will bring the passion and excitement of Friday night lights to the professional arena stage.”

AF1 currently has 12 teams for its debut season: Albany (N.Y.) Firebirds; Billings (Mont.) Outlaws; Monterrey (Mexico) Kings; Nashville (Tenn.) Kats; Orlando (Fla.) Predators; Salina (Kan.) Liberty; Southwest Kansas Storm; Stockton (Calif.) Crusaders; Washington (Everett) Wolfpack; Wichita (Kan.), Regulators; and Wilkes-Barre (Pa., name TBD).

AF1 will release its 2025 schedule no later than the second week of November, according to the release.

For more information, visit theaf1.com.