{"id":303348,"date":"2026-05-06T23:35:27","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T23:35:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/303348\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T23:35:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T23:35:27","slug":"fresno-falcons-return-to-selland-arena-after-17-year-absence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/303348\/","title":{"rendered":"Fresno Falcons Return to Selland Arena After 17-Year Absence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"zamboni\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

A Zamboni sits on the Selland Arena floor during Tuesday’s announcement that professional hockey is returning to Downtown Fresno. The Fresno Falcons will begin play in the Federal Prospects Hockey League this fall. Photo by Ben Hensley<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tpublished on May 6, 2026 – 3:30 PM
Written by Ben Hensley<\/a><\/p>\n

Professional hockey is returning to Downtown Fresno for the first time in nearly two decades.<\/p>\n

City officials and team representatives announced the new Fresno Falcons franchise will begin play this fall at Selland Arena in the Federal Prospects Hockey League.<\/p>\n

\u201cI grew up not too distant from the last Falcons season,\u201d said Brian Flores, media consultant with the Fresno Falcons. \u201cI was about nine years old, so it\u2019s kind of surreal.\u201d<\/p>\n

The return comes on a five-year deal, according to Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, who called on the entire Valley to support the franchise.<\/p>\n

\"manFresno Mayor Jerry Dyer walks the floor of Selland Arena following the announcement of the Fresno Falcons\u2019 return to Downtown Fresno. The team will play a 28-game home schedule beginning this October. Photo by Ben Hensley<\/p>\n

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\u201cHaving the Fresno Falcons right here at Selland Arena with a 28-home-game schedule, it\u2019s something that should excite everyone in Fresno, as I know it does me,\u201d Dyer said, adding that renewals for the team are on the table. \u201cHopefully multiple five-year renewals.\u201d<\/p>\n

FPHL Commissioner Donald Kirnan said the Fresno community\u2019s reception stood out after years of league expansion efforts.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter visiting basically 100 places around the country in the last 20 years, the reception I received here from day one, from minute one, was the best I\u2019ve ever received,\u201d Kirnan said.<\/p>\n

\"podiumFresno City Manager Georgeanne White addresses attendees at Tuesday\u2019s Fresno Falcons announcement at Selland Arena. Seated at the table, from left, are Brian Flores, media consultant; Scott Brand, FPHL managing consultant; and FPHL Commissioner Donald Kirnan. Mayor Jerry Dyer, right, applauds during the event. Photo by Ben Hensley<\/p>\n

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The Falcons will play their home games at Selland Arena, which previously hosted the team and has served as a hub for local athletics. The team\u2019s 28-game home schedule is expected to drive additional event traffic to the region.<\/p>\n

The original Fresno Falcons last played during the 2008-09 season before folding amid financial difficulties and instability within minor league hockey.<\/p>\n

FPHL representatives said they are seeking local ownership and management involvement as the franchise prepares for its return. The team also hopes to partner with local school districts, professional sports leagues, and local businesses and organizations.<\/p>\n

Ahead of the season\u2019s October opener, Visit Fresno County donated a new scoreboard upgrade that will be installed at Selland Arena prior to the start of play.<\/p>\n

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