Shock open 2012 at home vs. Iowa

The AFL announced its 2012 schedule and Spokane learned it will open at home against Iowa on Monday, March 12. The AFL press release also contained a big surprise that it didn’t exactly acknowledge: Dallas is out of business this season (see what I mean here ; also more schedule info here .)

Spokane will have one NFL Network appearance, vs. San Jose on Friday, March 30. All four National Conference teams (Spokane, San Jose, Arizona and Utah) have just one NFL Network appearance. Tampa Bay and Cleveland each have five appearances, followed by Orlando, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Jacksonville and Milwaukee with four. Philadelphia has two NFL Network games. Chicago doesn’t have an NFL Network game.

More on the schedule/Dallas below.

Spokane will open the 2012 Arena Football League season at home against Iowa on Monday, March 12.

The AFL released the schedule Thursday and it revealed a change in the roster of franchises. Dallas will not play this season, leaving the league with 17 teams, nine in the American Conference and eight in the National Conference.

Following the season opener, Spokane faces a quick turnaround before its first road game Saturday, March 17, versus San Antonio , which is the new home of the former Tulsa franchise.

Spokane ’s byes come early, in Week 3 and Week 7. The Shock will play 13 straight weeks to close the regular season. Spokane faces two meetings with National Conference West Division rivals San Jose , Utah and Arizona , as well as home-and-home games against Iowa , Kansas City and Philadelphia . The latter three were a combined 17-37 last season.

Spokane , which captured the 2010 ArenaBowl, visits 2011 champion Jacksonville on Saturday, April 28. The Shock plays every AFL team except Cleveland , Pittsburgh , Georgia and Orlando . Spokane ’s lone appearance on the NFL Network is against visiting San Jose on Friday, March 30.

AFL commissioner Jerry Kurz declined comment on Dallas ’ situation. The Vigilantes were one of four National Conference playoff teams last season.