Training Camp about to begin for the Lions

by Alex Husting

After a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Columbus Lions are finally returning to the football field later this month. On May 14th the first day of minicamp will begin with the Lions’ wide receivers, quarterbacks and defensive backs reporting. The Lions will go into full training camp over a week later on May 23rd. For coach Jason Gibson, this year’s camp has a different feel to it than previous years. 

“Usually in training camp, I'm not trying to win the championship on game one because typically you never finish the season with the same team that you start with,” coach Gibson explained. “But this year, it's a sprint right out of the gate.”

This year the NAL season has been shortened to eight games which only increases the importance of the opening games as team's head into camp. Coach Gibson imagines that by the middle of training camp they will start preparing and practicing for the team’s season opener against the Orlando Predators on June 4th.  

With the season approaching, coach Gibson remains focused to make the most of camp and prepare his team for their first game. 

“My major concern would be time, time and continuity and shaking off the rust, getting back into the Lion's way of football,” said coach Gibson. 

ABOUT THE COLUMBUS LIONS

The Columbus Lions are members of the National Arena League (NAL). Founded in 2007, the Columbus Lions are starting their 15th season in 2021. The Lions are a 3x league champion and 13 playoff appearances in their rich history. The Lions play their home games at Hughston Field in the Columbus Civic Center. Lions Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now call (706) 322-3336 or visit columbuslions.com. Follow the Lions on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Lionsfootball/, twitter @columbuslions and instagram.com/Columbuslions.

ABOUT NATIONAL ARENA LEAGUE

The National Arena League was founded in 2016 and hosted its inaugural season in 2017 as the premier league in arena football. The National Arena League will kick off its fifth season in 2021. For more information regarding expansion opportunities or partnerships, contact Commissioner Chris Siegfried at chris@nationalarenaleague.com For more information about the NAL visit www.nationalarenaleague.com, facebook.com/nationalarenaleauge, twitter.com/NALfootball, Instagram.com/nationalarenaleague.