Nearly a month after winning the inaugural World Indoor Football League championship, the Augusta Spartans are getting their day in the hometown sun.

The city will declare today "Augusta Spartans Day" in a public celebration at the downtown Augusta Commons from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mayor Deke Copenhaver will present a proclamation around noon to commemorate the 2007 Spartans, one of the few teams in Augusta's history to win a professional championship.

"These guys definitely deserve it," Spartans second-year coach Bubba Diggs said. "We've been waiting for it. We thought it would happen a little sooner, but we look forward to it and will cherish this moment with the fans."

The Spartans overcame a 4-4 start to finish 10-6, capped by their 63-60 upset victory over the Columbus Lions in World Indoor Bowl I on June 30 in Columbus.

They had one of the best home records in the four-team WIFL and led the league in home attendance with an average of about 3,000.

"Our fans came out in huge numbers and we definitely appreciated that," Diggs said. "We had very, very good support and we were pleased with the turnout."

Players and coaches, as well as team staff and owners Jimmy Young and Scott Gunter, will be on hand today to sign autographs and take pictures with fans and the championship trophy. Live entertainment, food and several bands will also be on hand.

Diggs said he hopes the day lends proper credit to his team's accomplishment, which he feels perhaps hasn't been recognized properly by some in the area.

"I'm from Augusta, and I've been pretty disappointed about the lack of attention given to this team," Diggs said. "We represent Augusta and we play in the James Brown Arena. It's a championship any way you look at it. We won the World Indoor Football League championship for the city of Augusta, and I'm not sure there's been enough recognition."

The event is free to the public, which is invited to attend.