HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — As the visiting Canton Cougars trotted onto the field for pregame introductions, the loudspeakers in the Big Sandy Superstore Arena began to play music.

But not your typical music. It was the intro for a circus act.

And so launched an event filled day that was the inaugural game for the Huntington Hammer arena football franchise.

There were giveaways throughout the game. Sweet Scotty Aces roamed the stands asking trivia questions, giving away tickets to the Funny Bone as well as T-shirts.

Contests were held on the field between quarters. The Fairview football team was in attendance and C.J. Leadingham kicked a field goal to win a T-shirt for himself plus tickets to the Funny Bone and another game for his teammates.

The day’s events plus the 41-26 win over Ultimate Indoor Football League favorite Canton put a smile on the face of co-owner Bill Nichols.

“I thought it went okay,” said Nichols. “The good thing is we can only go up. These are almost all paying fans. There weren’t many complimentary (tickets). I think we can build on this.”

Nichols and Rick Kranz are part owners with Cecil Vandyke the principle owner.

When Kevin Allen Jr. returned an interception for the team’s first-ever touchdown, Nichols gained possession of the football and gave it to Vandyke.

“That goes in a glass case,” Nichols told Vandyke.

That’s another thing about the arena game. With fans sitting right on top of the action, it’s not unusual for the football to go into the stands. And if a fan is lucky enough to get their hands on the ball, they’re allowed to keep it.

As is the case with all arena teams, a post-game autograph session is part of the experience. Fans can get autographs, take photos and talk with the players.

“It makes it more intimate. The fans are almost part of the family. They get to know the players and who they are,” said Nichols.

The Hammer will play at Eastern Kentucky this Friday. They have a bye the next week, visit Saginaw in week four and return home on Friday, March 25, in a 7:30 p.m. game against Johnstown in the second of seven home dates.

While this was the first game for the Hammer franchise, it wasn’t the first for the city or Nichols. The River Cities LocoMotives were the first to attempt the indoor game and more recently the Huntington Heroes and a two-year run.

Nichols saw both teams and had a short-lived ownership in the Heroes.

“I think each year we’re getting better,” said Nichols. “The first year we couldn’t compete. The Heroes could compete and had some success. With the AFL2 down to the league. There are more players available. We’re more athletic.”

Prior to the inaugural game, Nichols saw the team practice including two scrimmages.

“The first scrimmage they look a little rough and a week later you could see how it was starting to click. Our offense needs to click, but give it a few more days and it’ll be okay,” said Nichols.

And if the first game is any indication of the future, the Hammer franchise should click, too.

— Sinatra —

Jim Walker is sports editor of The Ironton Tribune.