Fill out the form below, it will be sent to our Head Coach Erv Strohbeen and our Defensive Coordinator / Recruiting Coordinator Marlon Lobban.
ONE TRYOUT – TWO OPPORTUNITIES TO GET SIGNED
The Sioux City Bandits and Northwest Iowa Lightning are teaming up for a joint tryout in Sioux Falls, SD. This combine-style workout gives athletes the chance to earn a professional paid contract with the Bandits, or develop their skills and gain valuable game film with the Lightning, a semi-professional team based in Sioux Center, Iowa.
📅 Date & Time
Workout begins promptly at 9:00 AM and will conclude by 11:00 AM.
Please arrive 15–20 minutes early to complete the required injury waiver — no athlete will be permitted to participate without it.
💰 Registration
🧢 What to Bring
Wear athletic workout attire and shoes suitable for turf. Cleats are permitted.
💪 Why Attend?
This is an incredible opportunity to showcase your skills in front of coaches and scouts from one of the longest-running professional indoor football organizations in the country.
Even if you don’t earn a professional contract, the Northwest Iowa Lightning will also be evaluating players, offering a pathway to continue developing your game and gaining exposure.
🏆 About the Sioux City Bandits
The Bandits are competing for the 2026 National Arena League Championship, with a proud history of developing elite talent and providing opportunities for athletes to grow at the next level.
Success stories from past open tryouts include:
Marlon Lobban – Former Bandits linebacker, now the team’s Defensive Coordinator.
Devin Groenhagen – Longtime defensive lineman and local sheriff’s deputy.
Braden Meints (“The Swiss Army Knife”) – Played multiple positions, including linebacker, running back, and kicker.
🏈 Notable Bandits Alumni
Fred Jackson – From Bandits to CFL to the Buffalo Bills; 3rd all-time leading rusher behind O.J. Simpson & Thurman Thomas.
Justin Gilbert – 2014 1st-round NFL Draft Pick (8th overall), Oklahoma State All-American.
Verlon Reed – The Ohio State University.
Brandon Sheperd – Oklahoma State.
Fred Bruno – Wayne State standout; Bandits all-time leader in multiple rushing & special teams categories.
Jarrod DeGeorgia – Former Iowa Barnstormer who backed up Kurt Warner, played for the Bandits for many years, and then became the Offensive Coordinator.
…and many more.
🚀 Don’t Miss Your Shot
This is your chance to prove you belong on the field.
Whether you’re ready to compete for a professional roster spot or looking to continue your football journey, this joint tryout is your opportunity.
👉 Register today and show us what you’ve got!
