Year founded 1991 Franchise W-L-T record Regular Season: 0–10 Founded 1991 | Year retired 1991 City Raleigh Home field Carter–Finley Stadium | |
 | ||
Team colors Red, Kelly Green, Black, White | ||
The Raleigh–Durham Skyhawks were an American football team headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina that played for one season in 1991 in the World League of American Football (WLAF). The name was inspired by the Wright brothers' flights on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The three jet-trails and three planes in flight, as well as the triangle design in the logo, represented the three points of the Research Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill). The team's cheerleaders were known as the "Kittyhawks."
The name was chosen by Raleigh citizens, the choices being the Skyhawks, Daredevils, or Rogues as published in the News and Observer.
The Skyhawks' home field was N.C. State's Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh. Then-Charlotte Hornets owner George Shinn owned the franchise, and the head coach was former NFL player and N.C. State alumnus Roman Gabriel.
The team had a 0–10 record in the 1991 season and averaged 12,066 spectators per game due in part by the lack of beer sales at Carter-Finley Stadium. The team folded after their lone season of 1991. To replace them for the 1992 season, the WLAF established a new franchise in Columbus, Ohio, naming it the Ohio Glory.
The Skyhawks' lack of success did not sour the NFL on the whole state, as in 1995, Charlotte welcomed the expansion Carolina Panthers franchise. Professional sports would return to the Triangle area 8 years later when the Carolina Hurricanes moved there from Greensboro, North Carolina to play in their newly constructed arena.
