FAYETTEVILLE — The Carolina Cobras hope to open fans' minds to a whole new way of looking at football. Hundreds of people packed into Cumberland County's Crown Coliseum Saturday night for a taste of arena football.

The Cobras are certainly catching the attention of Cumberland County residents. In their first appearance, the team brought out diehard fans and the curious.

"It's a lot different than regular football, absolutely," says Gary Lysaght. "It's a lot faster paced than regular football. It should be a good time."

Curious fans ventured out to the Crown Coliseum to get a taste of this new twist on an old favorite.

While the team used the scrimmage to work out a few kinks, many spectators used the game to brush up on the rules of the game.

"The refs, some are in khakis, some are in jeans -- it's kind of mixed up. You can't tell who's who, but it's all right," says Lysaght.

Spectator Margaret Caudill thinks this new sport will grab hold of the Triangle.

"It's a little different, but fun. You feel like you're right on the field with them," she says.

The players are not the only ones in the spotlight. The Cobra cheerleaders, known as the Snake Charmers, are catching the eyes of several fans.

Single game tickets went on sale Saturday at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Raleigh. They cost anywhere from $10 to $110.

The Cobras play their first pre-season game in Raleigh on April 6.