The Arkansas Diamonds, a minor league football team established in 2025, are relocating from Hot Springs to Little Rock, according to a team announcement. The team plans to invest as much as $1.5 million to renovate Barton Coliseum, which will serve as its new home.
Previously based in Hot Springs, the Diamonds played home games at the Bank OZK Arena in downtown Hot Springs. Team representatives stated the move is necessary because the OZK Arena does not meet the arena and facility standards required by the Indoor Football League (IFL), which the Diamonds recently joined. The IFL includes 16 teams across the country, from San Diego, California, to Orlando, Florida.
The Diamonds had participated in The Arena League before switching to the IFL last month. The team originally launched under the name "Hot Springs Wiseguys" and rebranded as the Arkansas Diamonds soon after.
Renovation plans for Barton Coliseum, located at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock, are expected to address league requirements and enhance the facility for the team and its fans. Further details about the upgrades have not been disclosed.
Team officials cited the move as an important step in aligning with the IFL’s standards while positioning the Diamonds for growth in the new league.