As it starts its fourth year of operation, the regional indoor sports arena, currently known as Soccer Blast, is experiencing a transformation of the company to expand the number of sports being offered.

In a strategic move, Soccer Blast has partnered with the Birmingham Steeldogs Arena Football Team to offer flag football.

This partnership was just one of many reasons why the company will be changing its name to Sports Blast Birmingham.

The rebranding of the company is designed to better showcase the expanded sports offerings, including flag football, baseball, softball, lacrosse and, of course, indoor soccer.

&uot;When we first opened our doors, we never dreamed we’d be doing the kinds of things we’re doing now. We are so pleased with the direction we’re headed in, like our partnership with the Birmingham Steeldogs Arena Football Team and the roll-out of our new name,&uot; said Dave Dresbach, General Manager of Sports Blast.

&uot;This is an exciting time and all these new sports offerings are keeping us busy round-the-clock.&uot;

The partnership with the Birmingham Steeldogs Arena Football Team will result in a host of special events and clinics for individuals and leagues.

Sports Blast will begin offering arena flag football sessions in April, with league play for adult men, high school and middle school boys, as well as recreational play for adult co-ed, high school co-ed and youth.

Leagues for flag football will begin April 19.

Arena indoor football leagues will also begin April 19. Adult pick-up night has been offered since March 10 for individuals over age 18. The cost is $5 per visit and games are played on Sundays from 7-8:30 p.m. in a 5-on-5 format.

Adult leagues for indoor arena football will begin April 19 for ages 18 and up and is also a 5-on-5 format. Games will be played throughout Sunday afternoon.

Youth leagues for boys and girls ages 7-high school will also begin April 19, and is a 7-on-7 format.

Also for the first time this spring, Sports Blast formed a partnership with the Oak Mountain Baseball Association to offer practices and skill development at Sports Blast. According to Dresbach, batting cages will be up-and-running by April 25.

&uot;The artificial surface is perfect and lets the kids focus on hand-eye coordination and basic skill development,&uot; said Jim Jones, President of the Oak Mountain Baseball Association. &uot;Kids improve faster when they don’t have to worry about bad weather or a bad bounce.&uot;