Bandit Sports is the founding brand of a BC club that owns and operates a CEBL franchise in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley. Their per-game attendance was among the top seven for their league.
Bassett Field hosted former NFL players like quarterback John Reaves. To show his defiance and showmanship, Bassett challenged the New England Patriots to a game after the season had concluded.
Tampa Bay Bandits
The Bandits were one of the most exciting teams in the United States Football League (USFL). Drawing considerable crowds to Tampa Stadium and boasting an exciting high-flying offense with plenty of gimmickry, they drew big crowds each week at Tampa Stadium and enjoyed massive popularity due to a star player like Burt Reynolds from Smokey and the Bandit movies who donned his Bandits jersey as part of his performance onscreen. Made two playoff runs under former Florida Gator Steve Spurrier as coach, who produced two future NFL Pro Bowl players, Nate Newlon and Gary Anderson, from their time with this team.
But the Bandits were not without controversy. In 1985, Stephen Arky – then co-owner – was indicted on multiple fraud counts before ultimately taking his own life in July that same year. Additionally, TV contracts for their games proved challenging to secure leading up to their collapse in 1986.
Though beset by financial woes, the Bandits were still an exciting team to watch. On their final game in October 1985 against Washington, 27-13 with two minutes remaining when Lee Scarfone kicked the winning field goal, it marked an emotional win for fans longing for professional spring football since the World Football League collapsed in 1975.
The last season for the Bandits was marred by tragedy. Within one week of starting play, USFL owner John Bassett succumbed to brain cancer at 47, forcing the Bandits to suspend operations when a federal judge issued an injunction ordering the sale of all assets, such as weight-lifting equipment and office furniture, in order to pay an arbitration award to former running back Tim Clark.
Fans won’t have to wait too long before Birmingham Bandits return. One of eight teams chosen to participate in the United Soccer Football League 2022 Relaunch, Birmingham will host all games.
Chicago Bandits
The Chicago Bandits are a professional women’s fastpitch softball team based in Rosemont, Illinois, and are members of the National Pro Fastpitch League. Over their history, they have won multiple championships while cultivating an enthusiastic fan base committed to community involvement.
Since 2005, the Chicago Bandits have enjoyed much success on the field. Winning six Cowles Cup titles has propelled them into one of the most accomplished franchises in NPF history, not to mention multiple playoff titles won at home games held at Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Sports Complex.
In 2008, the Bandits won their inaugural National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) championship after defeating Washington Glory in a best-of-three series. Two years later, they claimed another championship by defeating Akron Racers and New England Riptide simultaneously to secure their two titles. They are known for their strong defense, high-scoring offense, and dynamic personalities, such as Jennie Finch and Stacy May-Johnson among their roster members.
Last season, the Bandits claimed their third National Professional Softball Federation (NPF) championship by defeating USA Pride in a best-of-three series. Thanks to an incredible late comeback led by rookie Megan Wiggins’ three-run double against Cat Osterman for Cat Osterman of Pride’s defense, Monica Abbott contributed significantly towards their triumphant triumph with a 1.33 ERA and 35 strikeouts this season alone!
The Bandits will pay their respects to Bloomer Girls at a vintage uniform game this July. Chu will use his filmmaking talents to film scenes for a documentary about them while the Historical Society of Forest Park displays an exhibit featuring them during this game. Chu has previously produced documentaries about the Century of Progress Era and burlesque dancer Sally Rand.
The Bandits will launch their 2016 National Pro Fastpitch season at the University of Illinois at Chicago on April 16. Led by veteran coach Sharonda McDonald (previously with Philadelphia Force and Atlanta Beat), she will be supported by assistant coaches Kyla Holas and Annie Smith, who also possess experience coaching within NPF.
Vancouver Bandits
The Vancouver Bandits are the pro basketball team of the Lower Mainland and compete in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). Based at Langley Events Centre, home games of this team draw fans from throughout the region; 2022 marked their highest average and total attendance figures ever at Langley Events Centre! We look forward to welcoming even more fans this season at LEC!
The Bandits will kick off their 2017-18 season in May with a preseason matchup against Winnipeg at the Winnipeg Hockey Centre before hosting their regular season debut against Calgary Surge on June 3 at the LEC. Tickets for both single games and season passes can be found through Showpass. Additionally, their new logo & colors – featuring an orange fox wearing a Bandit mask – were unveiled earlier in April.
The Bandits have returned for their inaugural season since being purchased by mining entrepreneur Bryan Slusarchuk and real estate developer Kevin Dhaliwal last year, both with deep ties to the Lower Fraser Valley community, which emphasizes fan experience and ticket pricing.
Slusarchuk desires to give fans an unforgettable experience that goes beyond simply playing baseball. His goal is to partner with several organizations, such as Kwantlen First Nation, and wear an Indigenous-themed jersey throughout the 2023 season – giving back part of each jersey sold to Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society as well.
One of the Bandits’ most significant upcoming events will be Championship Weekend at the LEC on August 11-13. Slusarchuk noted that hosting Championship Weekend gives them an opportunity to reach more fans across Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley regions.
The Bandits also provide in-game entertainment, such as an exciting dance crew and exciting pyrotechnics that shoot flames from every three-pointer and dunk made. Furthermore, the club has increased its efforts to support local youth by sponsoring the BC Boys and Girls’ Basketball Association; hopefully, these efforts will foster a devoted and thriving fanbase in the future.
Belgrade Bandits
The Belgrade Bandits is a Legion baseball team for children living in Belgrade to participate in competitive American Legion baseball during summer vacation. This organization strives to build well-rounded athletes while encouraging good sportsmanship and community involvement, teaching the fundamentals of baseball, and developing character and leadership. They belong to the Gallatin Valley League and take part in regional tournaments across Montana.
After being delayed for over three hours due to inclement weather, the Belgrade Bandits emerged victorious as Montana Class A State Champions after defeating host Laurel Dodgers 4-2. It marked their inaugural state title, and several players will continue playing baseball at college on scholarships.
Belgrade Youth Baseball welcomes over 400 participants each year, ranging in age from 5 to 15. Our club strives to teach the fundamentals of baseball while creating an enjoyable learning environment where children can have fun while honing their game and developing into future baseball stars. Additionally, Belgrade Youth Baseball strives to prepare kids for high school baseball while creating a safe and healthy atmosphere in which children can express themselves freely.
The Bandits kicked off their postseason journey at a district tournament in Three Forks, winning three out of four matches to claim third-place honors and capture the third-place trophy. At Lewistown’s Harold Gjerde Memorial Tournament later that month, they notched two victories over Butte and Gallatin Valley to secure their spot in the state tournament.
In their first game in Laurel, the Bandits trailed 3-0 after two innings but made a comeback in the fifth by scoring two runs on Aidan Kulbeck’s grand slam and Josh Arrants fielding a routine ground ball at short and throwing it to Wyatt Russell at second for an extra-inning victory of 6-3.
On Sunday night, the Bandits proved their dominance once more by outlasting the Polson Giants in an intense, back-and-forth contest. Tyler Grahl delivered a two-run single for them early on before Nick Bock scored one run with his homer to tie things up at three innings.
