Northern Arizona Wranglers
After the Northern Arizona Suns basketball team played their final game in Prescott Valley, it was assumed that Tim's Toyota Center would remain vacant, only collecting dust and memories of the two teams. In a surprising announcement, however, the stadium website has declared that an indoor football team will now be calling the Tim's Toyota Center their home. How will their legacy stand to the teams that came before them?
Arizona Sundogs
The team that Tim's Toyota Center was built for, and the biggest shoes to fill for the new football team. The Sundogs were a minor league hockey team that was so beloved by Prescott Valley that even though their final game was 8 years ago, their jerseys and banners still hang from the rafters of the stadium, and many local businesses still claim to be loyal partners of the Sundogs. When the Northern Arizona Suns left Prescott Valley in 2021, many residents were hoping that the now empty stadium would attract other minor hockey leagues just to see the Sundogs return.
Northern Arizona Suns
The second team to call Prescott Valley their home, and maybe the most divisive. When the National Basketball Association announced that a G-League team was moving to a small rural town, many residents were skeptical, as many were still longing for the departed Sundogs. However, the Suns showed great potential and popularity in their early years, having players reach out to the community and sponsoring major events such as holiday parades and celebrations. However, near the end of their stay, their popularity took a nosedive. Where once official home games would see the entire stadium crowded with basketball fans, near the end, the Suns only had a quarter full stadium to play in. While they may not have enjoyed the success and love the Sundogs did, there are still references to the Suns, such as an avenue near the stadium still bearing their name. They have since relocated to Detroit
Northern Arizona Wranglers
Now, where does this leave the Northern Arizona Wranglers, the newest addition to Prescott Valley? It's still early to say, but it appears that a strong fanbase is beginning to appear. They are the 3rd Indoor Football League team in Arizona and have already begun their season against fellow IFL Arizona team, the Rattlers. While they do have big shoes to fill as the Sundogs jerseys lie over the football field, and the still lingering memories of the Suns to contend with, it appears that the Wranglers will leave their mark on Prescott Valley and in the halls of Tim's Toyota Center much like the teams that came before them.