From Fight Nights to Game Nights: Meet Angel Nieblas

From MMA to indoor soccer, Angel puts fans first

From Fight Nights to Game Nights: Meet Angel Nieblas

Empire Strykers fans—have you ever wondered who it is behind the scenes making all these great things happen for the Strykers?

• Creating a fabulous game-day experience.
• Helping put a highly competitive team on the field while keeping the club engaged with the community.
• Encouraging kids and families to live fit and healthy lifestyles.
• Teaching soccer skills to the next generation through youth camps and clinics.

Well, that's your Empire Strykers front office staff, and we're excited to help you get to know them through a series of interviews about their role with the club, their passion for sports, and what it's like working behind the scenes for the Empire Strykers.

Getting to Know Angel Nieblas

For Angel Nieblas, working in professional sports has always been about one thing: the fans.

Now a Ticketing Representative for the Empire Strykers, Angel has spent years building relationships with supporters, welcoming new fans to the excitement of indoor soccer, and helping create experiences that extend far beyond the final whistle.

His journey in professional sports, however, didn't begin with soccer.

"I started my career in sports in 2008 as a promoter for one of the longest-running MMA organizations, King of the Cage," Angel said. "That's where I fell in love with interacting with fans and being part of the excitement that sports create."

Years later, that passion led him to professional indoor soccer. Angel spent two seasons with the Ontario Fury before continuing his journey with the Empire Strykers, where he is now heading into another season with the organization.

What immediately caught his attention was the opportunity to introduce more people to a sport he believed deserved a larger audience.

"What drew me to the Empire Strykers was the opportunity to help bring awareness to such a fast-paced, exciting sport that wasn't yet widely known by the general public," he explained. "I was also inspired by the passion of the soccer fans and the way the sport brings entire communities together."

Today, Angel's role extends well beyond simply selling Empire Strykers tickets.

"A typical day can sometimes look a little scattered, but I promise I have it all under control," he joked.

Angel wears several hats throughout the organization, helping coordinate youth camps and clinics, taking care of loyal Empire Strykers season ticket members, and introducing new fans to everything the club and arena soccer have to offer.

That constant interaction with people is a natural fit for someone who built his career around connecting with fans.

It's also the relationships inside the organization that make his role special.

"My favorite part is the close-knit, family atmosphere within the organization," Angel said. "My colleagues are always willing to help one another without being asked, and everyone genuinely cares about making the team successful."

He describes the culture of the Empire Strykers in much the same way: passionate, caring, and family-oriented.

But perhaps no experience better demonstrates the impact of Angel's work than one unexpected interaction with a young supporter.

"One of my most memorable moments came during a game when a young fan came up and asked for my autograph," Angel recalled. "Even though I'm not a player or a coach, it reminded me that the work we do behind the scenes has an impact."

For someone whose career has been built around creating positive experiences for fans, that moment meant something bigger.

"Seeing kids look up to us and knowing we're helping create lasting memories is something I'll never forget."

That connection with young fans also helps explain why the Empire Strykers' work throughout the Inland Empire means so much to Angel.

"The fact that the Empire Strykers are so deeply rooted in the community brings me a great deal of joy and a strong sense of responsibility," he said. "Being able to give back, especially to those who are less fortunate, is something that means a lot to me."

Through youth soccer camps, clinics, community appearances, and other initiatives, the Empire Strykers have worked to make professional indoor soccer accessible to families throughout the region. For Angel, those efforts represent an important part of what the organization stands for.

While fans see the finished product on game day, they don't always see what it takes to get there.

"Fans might be surprised by just how much goes on behind the scenes," Angel explained. "It can be pretty chaotic at times, but thanks to the incredible front office staff and everyone's dedication, we're able to make every game and event come together seamlessly."

After years in professional indoor soccer, Angel believes there's still tremendous room for the sport to grow.

"Ever since I joined the organization, I've been excited to see just how much this sport can continue to grow," he said. "I'm looking forward to seeing the Empire Strykers and the MASL reach even greater heights in the years ahead."

And through all of that growth, Angel hasn't forgotten the people who make it possible.

"To all of our loyal fans and supporters, thank you from the bottom of my heart," he said. "This journey hasn't always been easy, but your passion and support make it all worthwhile. We truly appreciate everything you do for this organization, and we can't wait to continue this journey with you."

So now you've gotten to know Angel Nieblas a little better. The next time you see him at a youth clinic, community event, or Empire Strykers game, be sure to say hello. And who knows—maybe he'll even sign an autograph.

If you are looking for things to do in San Bernardino County, San Bernardino County attractions, things to do in San Bernardino County this weekend, or especially family activities in San Bernardino County, look to the Empire Strykers of the Major Arena Soccer League. It is one of the best sports events in San Bernardino County that you will ever attend.

You can find season tickets for the Empire Strykers, individual game tickets for the Empire Strykers, and Empire Strykers fan gear at www.theempirestrykers.com.