Written By: Brett Gombita

Pittsburgh, PA - The Pittsburgh Thunderbirds (2-8) close out their 2026 home schedule on Friday night as they welcome the Indianapolis AlleyCats (5-5) to F.N.B. Stadium for Fan Appreciation Night. First pull is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Last Time Out

The two teams met just one week ago on July 11, with Indianapolis earning a 24-14 victory that officially eliminated Pittsburgh from playoff contention.

The Thunderbirds struck first, but the AlleyCats quickly took control, scoring the next eight goals and never relinquishing the lead. Indianapolis' defensive pressure forced Pittsburgh into difficult offensive possessions, including an 0-for-8 performance on huck attempts.

Ryan Ward paced the Thunderbirds with three goals, while Will Hoffenkamp, Reid Duncan, Noah Celuch, and James Pollard each recorded two assists. Lucas Storm led the defensive effort with three blocks. Kevin Nicholl recorded his best performance ever as a Pro with a +5 rating. 

The victory improved Indianapolis' all-time record against Pittsburgh to 15-9. The teams split their season series in 2025, with the Thunderbirds earning a 25-21 victory at home.

Playoff Picture

Saturday's victory not only ended Pittsburgh's postseason hopes, but also clinched a Central Division playoff berth for Indianapolis.

Currently sitting third in the division at 5-5, the AlleyCats still have an opportunity to move up the standings. Indianapolis trails the second-place Madison Radicals (6-4) by one game entering the final weekend, with both clubs set to play twice. Indianpolis, aside from facing Pittsburgh this Friday, will travel to Toronto on Saturday to face the Rush. Meanwhile, Madison will face Chicago and Minnesota respectively.

For Pittsburgh, the focus shifts to finishing the season on a high note. Following Friday's home finale, the Thunderbirds travel to Chicago on Saturday to wrap up the 2026 campaign against the Union (1-9), a team Pittsburgh defeated 22-17 on June 14.

Milestone Watch

Several Thunderbirds enter the final weekend with individual milestones within reach.

Reid Duncan begins the weekend tied for sixth in the UFA with 32 goals, while Will Hoffenkamp ranks seventh in the league with 435 completions. Hoffenkamp also owns three of the league's 10 highest single-game completion totals this season.

If they appear in both games this weekend, Noah Celuch and Ryan Ward will become the only Thunderbirds to play in all 12 games this season.

Jimmy Towle needs one goal to reach double-digit goals for the eighth consecutive season, while Anson Reppermund is one block away from recording double-digit blocks for the seventh time in his career.

Fan Appreciation Night

Friday's matchup marks Fan Appreciation Night at F.N.B. Stadium.

The first 100 fans through the gates will receive a Magnetic Thunderbirds Koozie, courtesy of James Field Insurance. Fans can also enjoy $1 IC Light beers from 6:00 - 7:00PM. before first pull at 7:00PM

Fans can also bring in their used sports equipment and Play It Again Sports will donate the value of that item to benefit Pittsburgh Ultimate.

Expect to see a first pull from a world record holder, game long merchandise discounts, prizes after every Thunderbirds goal, and more!

The Thunderbirds will look to send their home crowd out with one final victory before concluding the season on Saturday in Chicago.

If you aren't able to attend the game in person on Friday, fans can watch the action live on Pittsburgh SportsNet or by tuning into WatchUFA.tv

For Pittsburgh's final contest of the year in Chicago, fans can tune in by going to WatchUFA.tv