Game-day experience
What surrounds the action
The Oregon Blackbears burst onto the scene in 2023 as the first Black-owned football team to call the Salem Pavilion Arena home, performing as an entertainment-forward franchise at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion in Salem. Although the squad folded during the 2024 AFL realignment, their short run left a mark on local sports history and entertainment programming. We’ve got the details on their journey, from their debut home win to the franchise’s transition into the Oregon Lightning in Redmond for 2025. If you’re looking to understand the legacy, check out the bio, notable moments, and what’s next in their story.