RALEIGH — In an area rich in basketball tradition, Triangle fans are getting another taste of something new. Professional hockey has started to settle in, and now arena football gets set to make its debut.

Fans of theCarolina Cobrascame out to the Entertainment and Sports Arena for a preview Tuesday night. They got a look at the special goal posts and a chance to walk the field and check out their seats.

The team's general manager says the real surprise comes when the players hit the turf.

"It is completely a step up," says Brett Bender of the game's fast pace. "There's a lot more passing, about 80 percent passing, and the scoring is out of sight."

Bender hopes the fast-paced entertainment will fill up arena seats on summer nights.

"There's not a whole lot to do here in the summer. You've got a brand new building that's state of the art which is perfect for arena football, and we've got an inexpensive ticket," he says.

Season tickets start at $79 for eight games. The home opener takes place April 14.

To order tickets call1-877-4-COBRASororder online.