By Ryan Ernst
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Cincinnati Swarm offensive tackle Derrick Shepard celebrates with teammate Chris Archie after he blocked a field goal. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

If no one noticed that Arena Football was back in Cincinnati on Saturday night, it wasn't for lack of fan-friendliness.

A 30-13 win highlighted a day of activity aimed at getting the city acquainted with the Cincinnati Swarm, the newest members of arenafootball2.

In a league known for out-of-control offense, it was the defense that earned the Swarm their first franchise win, over the Charleston Swamp Foxes, after starting the season 0-2. And according to coach Chris MacKeown, the team's new fans didn't hurt either.

"It feels great, especially at home," he said of the 7,238-person crowd. "... That first half was electric."

The Swarm jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first half on runs by Andy Aracri and Miguel Merritt. When the Swamp Foxes answered with a score on their next possession, Jim Jones gave momentum back to the home team, igniting the crowd with a 57-yard kickoff return.

According to fans, it wasn't the only thing the new franchise did right.

Cincinnati Swarm's Andy Payne brings down Charleston Swamp Foxes' Michael Brown in the first half. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

The team hosted a plaza party, starting 2 1/2 hours before the 7:30 p.m. kickoff, complete with bands, concessions and other distractions.

While the Swarm prepared for the game, friends Ken Hogan of Mount Washington and Bob Meyers of Indianapolis enjoyed a couple beers and watched the Pickled Brothers sideshow. Hogan said the two came for the game, but the pregame was turning out to be pretty interesting as well.

"We came for the football, and this a little bit I guess," he said, as the Pickled Brothers hammered nails into their noses. "I went to some (Cincinnati) Rockers games 10 years ago. I like the scoring and the short field. It's an exciting game."

Tony Simpson, a downtown resident who brought his wife, Dalyssa, and their children Sydney, Madison and Blake, said the game was of little interest to them. In fact, they weren't even attending it.

"We just came down for the entertainment," Jones said as his children watched an Olympic trampoline jumper do backflips while holding a little girl. "We're just checking everything out and enjoying ourselves."

Cincinnati Swarm wide receiver Anthony Payton dives over the goal line. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

Local bands Buckra and Bluekarma rocked out near the main entrance to the arena while the Swarm cheerleaders went through their routines in front of the stage. A stilt-walker made balloon animals for children.

Inside, the U.S. Bank Arena staff started up the hot tub located behind an end zone of the 50-yard field. Later, two lucky fans would sit in the tub with the Budweiser girls for the duration of the game.

Swarm general manager of business operations Matt Dunne's promise of constant surprises and action was accurate. The cheerleaders arrived at midfield in an SUV. The players took the field to an array of pyrotechnics. And four plays into the game, the first ball - and player - went into the stands.

And with every break in play came a promotion. Fans played "Name That Tune" to win their entire row free drinks. They played passing-accuracy games for prizes. Swarm mascot Buzz threw T-shirts and hot dogs into the stands.

Fans expecting a scorefest, however, were disappointed. Swarm quarterback Danny Smith threw for only 127 yards and was picked off four times. The Swarm defense held Charleston to 187 yards passing and caused five turnovers.

"Offensively, we have to get better; 30 is unacceptable. Fifty-eight is expected," MacKeown said. "But only giving up 13 points is really outstanding."

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