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Friday, March 30, 2012

Susquehanna is official bank of the Philadelphia Soul

Susquehanna Bank was named the official bank of the Philadelphia Soul Friday
Financial terms of the sponsorship deal were not disclosed.
Susquehanna Bank of Lancaster, Pa., has expanded its presence in southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey where it now operates 60 branch offices.
The bank will team up with the Arena Football League for broadcast and in-game promotions as well as community events.

Monday, March 26, 2012

LFL FORMS COMPETITION COMMITTEE

Lingerie Football League, LLC. officials today have announced the formation of a competition committee with the goal of addressing several topics and issues which are vital to the league’s continued evolution.
The newly-formed committee includes celebrated head coaches, including multi-time Lingerie Bowl Champion David Bizub (Los Angeles Temptation), two-time Eastern Conference Champion Chandler Brown (Philadelphia Passion) and 2011-12 LFL Coach of the Year, Chris Michaelson (Seattle Mist). Current players feature two-time LFL Offensive Player of the Year Marirose Roach (Philadelphia Passion) and two-time LFL Defensive Player of the Year Liz Gorman (Tampa Breeze). Rounding out the group is LFL Chairman Mitchell Mortaza and LFL Director of Officiating Steve Strimling.
LFL Chairman Mitchell Mortaza, who formed the committee, released the following statement, stating, “As the complexity and sophistication of our sport builds both on and off-the-field, my office felt it was time to truely gain a collective sense of how to better our game. The members of our first-ever competition committee are extremely accomplished and well-trusted individuals that understand and love our game while sharing my vision in relation to intelligent growth.”
The group will continually address a variety of topics including scheduling and expansion plans, player and coach conduct policies, rules and regulations as well as equipment and safety elements.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Ahman Green is New Ownership Partner of Green Bay Blizzard

The Green Bay Blizzard held a Press Conference at Curly's Pub today to introduce former Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green as a new ownership partner. The Packers all-time leading rusher joins an ownership group that took over the Blizzard franchise in November of 2009. The group includes Matt Umentum, Tom Burgess, John Meyer, Bob Weyers and Art Clarkson.
Green said, "I want to be involved in football and I have been a part of Green Bay for a long time and it's a great opportunity to give back to the community and be a part of a great organization like the Green Bay Blizzard."
Green was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He was a high school All-America selection and state Player of the Year at Central High School in Omaha. Green was a two-time Academic All-State selection as a prep and later earned Academic All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in 1996 at the University of Nebraska.
Green was drafted in the 3rd round by the Seattle Seahawks in the 1998 NFL Draft before being traded to the Packers in 2000.
From the time he joined the Packers in 2000 up through the end of the 2004 season, Green gained more rushing yards (6,848) than any other NFL player. In 2003, he set a franchise record by rushing for 1,883 yards during the regular season.
After the 2006 season, Green became a free agent and signed with the Houston Texans, joining his former coach Mike Sherman. In Houston he carried most of the workload in a crowded back field, before being released in 2009. On October 21, 2009, he resigned with the Packers. On November 8, 2009 Green broke Jim Taylor's record to become the all-time leading rusher in Packers history. Green rushed for a franchise-best 8,322 yards in his eight seasons with the Packers.
Green retired from football in 2011. He has been married to Marie Green for four years and they have 5 children. Green has given time to the Boys & Girls Club in his hometown of Omaha and the Husker Outreach Program at Nebraska. He is involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Green has also established the Ahman Green Foundation which directs money toward childrens causes. Among his hobbies are movies, video games and hanging out with friends and family.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Soul to Host Scout Sleepover at Lincoln Financial Field

The Philadelphia Soul are excited to announce Scout Night Sleepover at Lincoln Financial Field.  The event will be open to Cub Scout and Boy and Girl Scouts, and their families, and will take place Saturday, May 5 through Sunday morning, May 6.
“We are proud to provide this unique opportunity for the local Scouts in the Philadelphia and tri-state area,” said Soul VP/COO John Adams.  “This will be an experience that any football fan and scout in this area will never forget.”
The 2012 Scout Night Sleepover costs just $49 per person.  This price includes: lower level side-line tickets to see the Soul play the Milwaukee Mustangs at 7:05 p.m., a full night of activities that will take place before, during, and after the Soul game, and in-game recognition for each Scout Group in attendance.
Along with these game night benefits, breakfast will be served on the morning of May 6 and Scouts will receive a commemorative Soul Scout Patch.  The sleepover will take place immediately after the Soul game and include a movie being played on the video boards and options for food packages.
The Scout Night Sleepover will be one of a kind experience that Scouts and their families won’t want to miss, but it is limited to the first 2,000 fans to register.  To reserve your spot for the 2012 Scout Night Sleepover, contact John Tabourn at 215-253-4900 ext. 176, jtabourn@philadelphiasoul.com.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Arena Football League Launches "AFL Field Pass"

The Arena Football League has launched “AFL Field Pass,” the official fan club of the AFL, the League office announced today.
Fans that join the club will have access to behind-the-scenes and exclusive content through an interactive website at AFLFieldPass.com. The site offers fans a “field pass” to insider information, coach and player blogs, videos, online games and contests, as well as access to exclusive interviews.
“There's no substitute for the way the Arena Football League interacts with its fans,” AFL VP of Broadcast, Communications & Branding Anthony Herron said. “AFL Field Pass will kick that up another notch as we provide info and display access like they've never seen.”
In addition to special web content, AFL Field Pass members will also enjoy several other benefits throughout the season, including a personalized AFL Field Pass membership card, a Silver Anniversary lapel pin, contests, exclusive AFL Shop discounts, a commemorative Silver Anniversary magazine program, an invitation to ArenaBowl XXV Media Day and the Awards Ceremony, and more.
Access to all content on AFL Field Pass will be available at no charge during a one week free trial period, which begins today. After the initial trial period, standard membership rates will apply.
For more information on AFL Field Pass, visit ArenaFootball.com, or join the club directly at AFLFieldPass.com.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Soul and Mission Kids Announce Partnership

The Philadelphia Soul and Mission Kids are proud to announce a unique partnership that will bring these two entities, along with area Soul fans, together in the fight against child abuse.
April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month, so it's only fitting that the team has agreed to donate 50 percent of their ticket sales from the April 20 game to this cause. The Soul will host the Tampa Bay Storm at home on Friday April 20, 2012 at 8 p.m.
"Our organization already has a commitment to ending child sexual abuse, and this partnership with Mission Kids helps strengthen that commitment," said Soul VP/COO John Adams. "Ending child sexual abuse starts with awareness, and the Soul are proud to partner with Mission Kids to help spread this awareness."
Tickets for the game are still available and they can be purchased by contacting a Soul Sales Representative at 888-789-SOUL ext. 3, or by visiting www.philadelphiasoul.com.
Mission Kids offers a comprehensive, centrally located, multidisciplinary team response to allegations of child abuse in a dedicated, child-friendly setting to achieve justice for child victims and promote their physical and emotional well-being. Mission Kids provides neutral, fact-finding forensic interviews which are coordinated to avoid duplicative interviewing and supports Montgomery County's multidisciplinary team approach to child abuse investigation and intervention.

New Orleans VooDoo Suite Owner Donates Tickets To Teachers

As a way of showing gratitude and appreciation for our local teachers, New Orleans VooDoo suite owner Darius Shad of Techcrane donated his suite tickets to Ella Dolhonde Elementary School's teachers and staff for Sunday's game versus the Philadelphia Soul.
Ella Dolhonde teachers participated in the first annual Preauxs versus Jeauxs Charity Flag Football Event on January 27, and helped raise over $5,000 for the charitable cause. More than half of the proceeds went to Ella Dolhonde to purchase books for its new library.
Of the money raised at the event, Techcrane owner Darius Shad donated $1,000 to the cause.
"My mother is a former public school teacher and as a result, I have a lot of love and admiration for our teachers," said Shad. "When I found out I would not be able to attend the game, I wanted to give the suite to the teachers. They worked very hard to make Preauxs versus Jeauxs a success and deserve to be rewarded."
Preauxs versus Jeauxs featured two flag football games with Ella Dolhonde teachers and Dolls being divided up into two teams for the first game. The Dolls and teachers had two practices leading up to the flag football game, and come game time, the competitiveness between both squads was high.
Team Monogram Express (gray) was heavily favored in the game, but it was Team VooDooStuff.com (blue) pulling the upset with an 18-6 victory. VooDooStuff.com was led by VooDoo Doll Brittney H. by completing 11-of-13 pass for 97 yards and 3 touchdowns.
"It was a great event for the New Orleans VooDoo to give back our local community and have a lot of fun in the process," said VooDoo Vice President Brandon Rizzuto, who served as offensive coordinator of Team VooDooStuff.com. "The Dolls and teachers had a blast and so did all the staff and players that were involved. The event could not have been a success without people like Darius Shad, seeing a need to help our local schools. We hope to make this an annual event, helping out our schools in the area fundraise for specific needs that will enhance education."

Thursday, March 15, 2012

IFL Commissioner Resigns to Become Team Co-Owner

The Indoor Football League announced today that Commissioner Tommy Benizio has been offered and accepted a position as Co-Owner and President of the IFL's Allen Wranglers near Dallas, Texas.
Benizio was a co-founder of the Texas-based Intense Football League in 2003 which through a merger became the current IFL in 2008. He has served as the first and only commissioner of the Indoor Football League since that time.
His experience runs deep in team ownership and operations at the professional minor-league level in both hockey and indoor/arena football. This, along with his development of the Intense Football League, made him an easy choice for league directors when filling the position of the IFL's first Commissioner four years ago.
Since his appointment as IFL Commissioner, Benizio has overseen all day-to-day activities of the league as well as spearheaded the growth of the IFL in new markets across the country.
"I have been very pleased with this position and always considered it a blessing. What I first took as a flattering gesture by the Wranglers quickly became something that I wanted to consider and ultimately felt I had to accept." stated Benizio, "I see such great potential in Allen and am excited to remain part of the league that I have worked so hard to build over nearly a decade."
Benizio will be joining Jon Frankel and Terrell Owens in ownership of the Allen Wranglers and will also operate the business as well as represent the team in league matters.
"We all hate to see Tommy leave as he has done a great job since our inception but we are pleased that he will remain part of the IFL Family", explained Arney Silvestri, Chairman of the IFL's Board of Directors, "The timing is excellent for the league as the season is underway and operating smoothly, as opposed to at the end of the playoffs when the league is well into planning for expansion, scheduling, and league meetings." The IFL will remain very solid.
With a very capable staff in place the IFL will continue to operate as normal. The IFL Board of Directors will start a search for Benizio's replacement over the coming months.
The league has been off to a record- setting start at the turnstiles and continues to grow stronger each week. The IFL currently boasts 16 active teams with commitments for new members in 2013 already coming in starting with Charlotte, North Carolina. For further information on the Indoor Football League, log onto www.GoIFL.com.

Eddie Kennison Joins Command Front Office

The Kansas City Command of the Arena Football League announced today former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Eddie Kennison has joined the front office. Kennison will perform a variety of duties with the team, including attending team practices, consulting with the coaching staff, working with the Command television and radio broadcasts, as well as making public appearances on behalf of the organization.
Kennison, a former NFL first round pick in 1996 by the St. Louis Rams out of Louisiana State University, shined during his time with the Chiefs from 2001-2007. Kennison’s two best seasons of his 14-year career were with the Chiefs in 2004 and 2005, when he averaged 65 catches and 1,100 yards each year.
Kennison, retired since 2008, currently resides in Leawood, KS, with his wife, Shimika, and their two sons. After Shimika was diagnosed in 2003 with Lupus, Kennison created Quick Start – The Eddie Kennison Foundation to support the efforts of the Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR). Kennison also owns several businesses in Kansas City and is an active member of his church.
Kennison is excited about being around professional football once again. This time, it’s the indoor variety.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the Command organization and help the team succeed both on and off the field,” he said. “I think my experiences can be a valuable resources to our coaches and players.  It’s going to be a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to help the team any way I can.”
The partnership is a positive for the Command as well.
“Having a guy like Eddie, who was the consummate professional on and off the field during his time with the Chiefs, and who is doing so many great things in the community since his retirement, is very exciting for the organization,” said Vice President of Communications, Nick McCabe. “Eddie’s just a class guy, through and through, and we’re looking forward to a long relationship with him and his incredible family.”
The agreement between the Kansas City Command and Eddie Kennison is for two years.
The Command also announced Thursday the announcer lineup for 2012 broadcasts on KSMO-TV and Sports Radio 810 WHB.  McCabe, who is back for a second season as the “Voice of the Command”, will be joined on the lead broadcast crew by former Kansas State quarterback and current Wildcats radio analyst Stan Weber.  The two will provide play-by-play and commentary for Command radio broadcasts all season except during televised home games when they will move to the TV booth.
McCabe has been a broadcaster in Kansas City for over 15 years.  He has been the lead announcer for Sports Radio 810 WHB’s High School Football Game of the Week since its inception in 1998.  In addition to announcing games for the Missouri Comets indoor soccer team and Park University’s basketball teams, he currently serves as the Command’s Vice President of Communications.
Weber was a captain on the 1984 Kansas State football team and was the team’s leading rusher that season.  He received Academic All-American honors and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in accountancy, eventually also earning his master’s.  He is currently the Vice President – CFO of Tower Properties in Kansas City in addition to announcing K-State football and basketball.
Dave Borchardt, a familiar name to Kansas City sports fans since he started at Sports Radio 810 WHB in May of 2000, will join Command home radio broadcasts.  He will serve as sideline reporter and, when McCabe moves to TV, play-by-play announcer. Borchardt began his broadcasting career as the producer of Jason Whitlock's morning show and went on to become 810's Mizzou reporter, Chiefs pre game and post game show host, as well as the host of "The Late Show.” He has worked as Sporting Kansas City’s TV sideline reporter and play-by-play voice and currently works for Time Warner Cable in Kansas City.
WHB personality Jay Binkley will fill-in for Weber as the color analyst on Command radio broadcasts.  Binkley is the lead host of the popular WHB evening show “3 Guys in a Garage.”  He has worked with McCabe as the analyst for WHB’s high school football coverage since 1999.  You can also hear Binkley on WHB’s Royals post game shows, Chiefs Night and College Basketball Gameday.
The Command will air 10 games on KSMO-TV 62 in 2012.  Sports Radio 810 WHB is once again the radio home of the team for the entire 18-game schedule.  All games except April 30 at Tampa Bay, which will air live on NFL Network, can also be viewed live on the web at www.ustream.tv/kansascitycommand.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Marcus Colston Becomes A Harrisburg Stampede Owner

The Stampede are only 5 days from reporting to team meetings and the start of training camp. In keeping with his promise of "New Attitude, New Direction", Stampede Owner Justin Coble was able to bring hometown Harrisburg product and current New Orleans Saints star Marques Colston, back to the Stampede Ownership Team.
"I'm excited to be back with this organization. Justin has done a great job changing the attitude and the culture of how the Stampede operates. Together, we look forward to committing ourselves to the community and businesses of Harrisburg and the surrounding areas."
These two guys are the perfect match as owners of the Stampede and for all the right reasons. Both men believe in the Stampede and the potential of good, that a well-run team in our community can mean to an area. More importantly, both men believe in The Dauphin County, Harrisburg and surrounding areas."We plan to represent the Harrisburg and Dauphin County communities with Professionalism, Dignity and Respect", commented Coble.
The common word with Coble and Colston is their belief in Commitment. A commitment they have to this community, this team, and the local businesses and of course the commitment to our fans and all the youth of this area. These two men have a grand vision and are poised to put the 2012 season in motion with by combining an exciting brand of football, with fun for families and friends. The organization's La Familia attitude is focused on the mission: New Attitude, New Direction.
With this exciting addition to the ownership, fans will certainly be able to see and meet Coble and Colston at games, team events and appearances. We want this team to be known everywhere we go and we plan to represent the Harrisburg and Dauphin County communities with Professionalism, Dignity and Respect commented Coble.

San Antonio Talons Cut Ticket Prices

The San Antonio Talons are off and running in the Arena Football League after a successful season opener this past Saturday at the Alamodome. Following the Talons 54-48 victory over the Utah Blaze, new team owner, David Lynd, of Lynd Sports, LLC, huddled with his Talons management team on ideas of how to improve the fan experience.
First on the agenda was ticket pricing. Lynd, a San Antonio native, felt there was a need to reduce prices to make attending Talons games more affordable.
"It was obvious to us that one of the first things we needed to do was cut prices," said Lynd, who took over Talons ownership just last week from original team owner, Jason Lohe. "No matter the quality of the product we put on the field, if it's not priced right for the fans, they simply aren't going to buy."
Lynd chopped all ticket prices, including lowering the lowest priced ticket to $10. Other tickets have been cut as much as $20 per ticket, at every price level.
"We wanted to price a Talons game where a family, or group of four, could spend under $100 and receive four tickets, four hot dogs and four drinks. They can now do that."
Lynd recognizes that ticket pricing and team support go hand in hand. "With me being from San Antonio, I did not want pricing to be an issue with fans when deciding to attend a game," he said. "This is San Antonio's team and we wanted all San Antonian's to be able to get behind us. If we want professional football to succeed here, the fans will have to do their part. But it is our obligation to put a good product on the field and make it affordable for all fans. I feel we have now done both."

Rattlers Announce Canned Food Drive & Ticket Special

The Arizona Rattlers in partnership with the Arizona National Guard will host a canned food drive at US Airways Center inside the Casino Arizona Pavilion on Tuesday, March 13 and Wednesday, March 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to celebrate the team's home opener on Saturday, March 17.
For each food item donated, fans will receive one complementary upper level ticket to the home opener March 17 at US Airways Center, courtesy of the Arizona National Guard. Fans can receive up to four tickets per household. Tickets are limited and based on availability. Complimentary tickets can be used for $10 towards any upgraded seat at the US Airways Center box office.
The event will kick off Tuesday, March 13 at 9:00 a.m. and last thru Wednesday, March 14 or for theduration of the ticket supply. Tickets are expected to go quickly based on last year's food drive success so individuals interested in participating are encouraged to make their donations as early as possible.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Opposing Team Pays Terrell Owens To Play Road Game

Terrell Owens's contract with the Allen Wranglers stipulates he only has to play home games, but he's let it be known he can be enticed to hop on the metaphorical bus with the rest of his team if the opposition agrees to pay him separately. It appears that's what happened today, as T.O. took to the road in facing the New Mexico Stars.
So what did first-class airfare, hotel, and an estimated $10-20k in cash buy New Mexico? A 45-28 loss, in which T.O. made five catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. The Stars did deliver the above hit on Terrell Owens, which I'm sure made the estimated crowd of 6,000 roar with approval.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

LFL TO GO ‘DOWN UNDER’ — AUSTRALIA SELECTED AS HOSTS FOR 2012 ALL-FANTASY GAME TOUR

Lingerie Football League, LLC., the fastest-growing women’s sports league in the United States, today announced that the league is officially going ‘Down Under’, selecting Australia as a host country for the 2012 All-Fantasy Game Tour.
The LFL All-Fantasy Game Tour, hitting Australia’s shores in June, will feature 32 of the most athletic and beautiful women across the league as the Western Conference battles the Eastern Conference in what promises to to be an intense battle for global supremacy. The exhibition games will be played at venues on Australia’s picturesque east coast and comes on the heels of wildly successful All-Fantasy Games in Canada (2011) and Mexico (2010).
Queensland native and Australian athlete Chloe Butler is the face of the LFL in its push to establish an Australian league by 2013 with four teams – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Chloe will serve as the ambassador of LFL Football coming to Australia and will captain the Western Conference squad.
LFL Football has developed one of its largest international fan bases in Australia, having been broadcast on Fuel TV since the league’s inception in 2009.
“We could have never imagined the incredible response of Australia to LFL Football. While we have received offers previously to bring LIVE exhibition games to Australia, we have never had the opportunity to team with the experience and attitude of the guys we have partnered with here in Australia. This is truly a significant moment in the short history of the league as we take our first step toward introducing Aussies to LFL Football and the eventual premiere of LFL Australia in 2013″, said, Mitchell S. Mortaza, Chairman, Lingerie Football League, LLC.
The league is expected to officially announce venue and ticket information in the coming weeks. For more information on the Australia LFL All-Fantasy Tour, visit www.lflinaustralia.com.
About the LFL:
The Lingerie Football League (LFL), founded in 2009, is an extension of the extremely popular Super Bowl halftime alternative programming phenomenon, “The Lingerie Bowl”, which drew millions of viewers and blue-chip advertisers over its initial five-year run.
Currently featuring 15 franchises throughout North America, the LFL is regarded as the fastest growing women’s professional sports league in the United States and has achieved greater initial success than the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
In 2010, the LFL continued to thrive by signing a national television deal with MTV Networks, drawing sell-out crowds and adding five expansion markets for the 2011 season. Lingerie Bowl IX garnered record-high ratings for the network and was viewed by millions of fans throughout the globe.
In 2011, the LFL announced the creation of LFL Canada, set to debut in Fall 2012 as well as plans for future expansion into Australia (2013) and Europe (2014).

New Orleans Welcomes AFL HOF Coach Tim Marcum To Staff

Pending Arena Football League approval, Marcum is set to become the VooDoo’s Associate Head Coach under O’Hara.
“Coach Marcum will be a huge asset to our franchise as we move further along in building a winning team,” said VooDoo Head Coach Pat O’Hara.  “Marcum is a first-class coach and person, who I can honestly say is like a father-figure to me, and I know that our organization can only benefit with his involvement.”
Marcum has been an AFL fixture since the league’s inception in 1987, holding a 211-99 career coaching mark that is coupled with 7 ArenaBowl Championships out of the 10 times his teams reached the big game.
“I am excited about not only being in New Orleans and also being back in the AFL, but I am most importantly excited about being reunited with Pat,” said Marcum.  “Pat was a great player, is a great coach, and is an even better person.  I cherish this opportunity to work with him again.”
O’Hara played for Marcum in Tampa Bay from 2003 to 2006, transitioning into the team’s offensive coordinator in his final year of suiting up.  O’Hara served as Marcum’s offensive coordinator for the 2007 and 2008 seasons before O’Hara took the head coaching position with the Los Angeles Avengers; however, the AFL went on hiatus before O’Hara ever coached a game.
Together, the duo of O’Hara and Marcum from 2003 to 2008 had a 45-35 regular season record that included three playoff berths and the ArenaBowl XVII Championship.
Marcum’s most recent AFL tour of duty took place in Tampa Bay, serving as the team’s head coach from 1995 to 2010.  With the Storm, Marcum had a 140-77 regular season record and a 16-10 postseason mark over 15 seasons, winning 5 of the 7 ArenaBowls that he coached in during that span.
His prior stops before settling in with the Storm include the Detriot Drive from 1988 to 1993 and the Denver Dynamite in the League’s inaugural season in 1987.
The Snyder, Texas native is a two-time AFL Coach of the Year recipient, winning the award in 1987 and 1998.  In 1998, he was also inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame and still stands as the only coach in the League’s history to lead three different franchises to ArenaBowl appearances.
Marcum will be available for questioning at the team’s media day on Monday afternoon at the Alario Center.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

AFL Makes Statement on March 9 AFLPU Work Stoppage

"On Friday, March 9, 2012 the AFLPU entered into a work stoppage at 6:35 pm ET. The AFLPU then retracted the claim and instructed players to go back to work at 1:03 am ET. The AFL's 20-week regular season schedule and three-week playoff schedule will remain as slated culminating with ArenaBowl XXV in New Orleans on August 10."

Statement from Iowa Barnstormers President Jeff Lamberti

Dear Barnstormers Fans,
Many of you have heard the news of a potential labor dispute between the AFL's Owners and Players. This afternoon, I am pleased to announce that the work stoppage has been called off and that we are moving forward as planned. We had full confidence all along that our players would honor the contracts they signed because we have assembled a group of young men with tremendous character. With that being said, it's time to play some football! Hopefully I will see you all Monday night at Bennigan's for the watch party, Tuesday night at OverTime for the radio show and most importantly one week from tonight, Saturday March 17th for our home opener against the Utah Blaze.
Sincerely,
Jeff Lamberti President, Fan & Season Ticket Holder

Friday, March 9, 2012

AFL Strike Update: Pittsburgh, Orlando Fire Players Before Kickoff

Players for the Pittsburgh Power reportedly got the news during their pre-game meal Friday: they were all fired mere hours before the season kickoff against the Orlando Predators.
Players for the Predators were also fired, as the league took preemptive action to the threat of a strike by the AFL players union.
Current Pittsburgh Power kicker Taylor Rowan, confirmed the news on his Facebook wall:
"PITTSBURGH POWER OWNER JUST CAME IN AND FIRED EVERY PLAYER DURING PREGAME MEAL! THEY THOUGHT WE WERE GONNA STRIKE! AFL players union... you know what to do! Good luck AFL! Fans I hope you have our back!"
Bright House Sports Network in Central Florida reported the league's opening game at the Amway Center, which was scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. on NFL Network, would go on with replacement players.
The players union officially went on strike at 3 p.m. (ET), two-and-a-half hours before kickoff.
The AFL players union is asking the league for more money for its players. Currently, the players make $400 per game, with an added $50 if they win. The union asked for $1,000 per game, but reportedly was willing to take $850.
The league has kept silent during the negotiation. Most front offices released the following statement Friday:
"The Arena Football League is choosing not to discuss labor matters publicly at this time in the hopes that we can come to an accord with the union. We will continue delivering the same exciting brand of football action that we have for the last 24 seasons and we hope that the union allows the players to do the same."

AFL Launches Live Statistics Mobile Platform

Arena Football League fans can now follow games on the go using the newly launched mobile website, AFLLiveStats.com, the League Office announced today.
Fans can access AFLLiveStats.com from any mobile device to follow scores and stats from around the League. Using the PRIMETIME PrestoSports’ Live Stats viewer, fans can quickly browse play-by-play, team stats, individual stats, scoring summaries, schedules and standings.
“We are truly excited to launch AFLLiveStats.com for mobile devices,” AFL VP of Broadcast, Communications and Branding Anthony Herron said. “Fans can follow their favorite teams throughout the 25th season of Arena Football and can even access the mobile site in the arena.”
Additionally, fans can follow live statistics on the PRIMETIME PrestoSports Live Stats viewer on ArenaFootball.com. The viewer also maximizes the AFL’s new partnership with Ustream. Fans can view live Ustream broadcasts including live video and audio feeds from AFL games during the 2012 season.
"PrestoSports is committed to using technology to improve fan experience,” PrestoSports Director of Mobile Robb Modica said. “The AFL will take advantage of the PrestoSports Network to bring fans live game statistics on their smartphone and integrated stats and video when following on ArenaFootball.com.”
The Arena Football League partnered with PrestoSports in 2011.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Silver Anniversary Committee to Select 25 Greatest Players

In 2006, the Arena Football League celebrated its 20th season by gathering a committee of longtime League executives, coaches, media members and former players to vote on a series of "Top 20" lists, including the 20 Greatest Players in AFL History.
Five seasons later, the League has once again assembled a committee to continue the tradition.
The Silver Anniversary Committee has begun voting on a series of "Top 25" lists ranging from the "25 Greatest Uniforms in AFL History" to the "25 Rowdiest Atmospheres in AFL History."
However, no list garners as much attention or debate as the countdown of the Greatest Players in AFL History.
Each week of the 2012 regular season, the Committee will countdown one spot on the list, beginning with the No. 25 selection and culminating with the announcement of the Greatest Player in AFL History at the end of the season.
To kick off the 25th season of the Arena Football League, the Silver Anniversary Committee will announce the 25th Greatest Player in AFL History during the opening broadcast of "NET10 Arena Football Friday" on NFL Network this Friday night, when the Orlando Predators host the Pittsburgh Power in the "Hall of Fame Game." An AFL kickoff pregame show will air at 8 p.m. ET with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Arena Football Hall of Fame Induction To Be Held in Orlando March 8

The Arena Football League will induct its 2011 Hall of Fame Class on Thursday, March 8, at The Abbey in downtown Orlando beginning at 7 pm. The Hall of Fame awards presentation is open to the public.
Arena Football great Barry Wagner, who played for 9 years with the Orlando Predators, is among those to be inducted. He is ranked as the second best player all-time in AFL History by the league's historical committee.
Also being inducted is Kurt Warner, who played with the Iowa Barnstormers for three years before joining the NFL's St. Louis Rams in 1998. Others include George LaFrance, Hunkie Cooper, Eddie Brown, Sylvester Bemberry, Stevie Thomas, Sam Hernandez, Daren Arbet and Gene Nudo.
The players will also be recognized at the Orlando Predators Home Opener on Friday, March 9, which marks the kick-off of the AFL 2012 season. The Predators play host to the Pittsburgh Power, live on NFL Network, with pregame coverage beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET.
The Abbey is located at 100 S. Eola Drive in downtown Orlando. Doors will open at 6 pm.

Kansas City Command Games to Air on KSMO 62

The Kansas City Command announced Monday a partnership with KSMO-TV 62 to televise 10 of its Arena Football League games in the upcoming 2012 season. Five home games and five road games will air on 62, available over the air and via all cable and satellite providers in the Kansas City metro area. The home games will be produced in high definition by Niles Media Group.
"Our fans told us they wanted to watch Command games on television," said the Command's chairman of the board Chris Likens. "We could not have found a better partner in KSMO 62. They have become a destination for Kansas City sports fans to watch their local teams in action."
"KSMO is proud to add the Kansas City Command to our dominating local sports lineup," said Bobby Totsch, vice president and general manager for KCTV5 and KSMO-TV. "The excitement of the Arena Football League plays very well on television, and we know the Command will offer family entertainment both at Sprint Center as well as on KSMO-TV. The plan for these broadcasts is to take viewers right on the field and in the coach's box. The action and the intense production elements will make these games very exciting to watch. There won't be any other sports telecast quite like a Command broadcast."
The television broadcast schedule will begin with a March 29 home game against last year's ArenaBowl runner-up, the Arizona Rattlers. Other home broadcasts include May 5 versus San Antonio, May 26 versus Georgia, June 2 versus Utah and June 17 versus San Jose.
Road games to be broadcast are the April 21 matchup against San Jose, May 19 versus Pittsburgh, June 9 versus Spokane, June 30 versus San Antonio and July 21 versus Arizona. Additionally, as previously announced the April 30 game at Tampa Bay will be broadcast nationally on NFL Network.
KSMO-TV was founded in 1983 and is one of 12 television stations in the Meredith Corporation. They have effectively developed the "Sports Play Here" brand, televising approximately 100 local sporting events every year. The partnership also means increased exposure for the Command on KSMO-TV and sister station KCTV5 news and sportscasts, with highlights, player interviews and feature stories all planned.
Each of the 18 Command games will air on local radio. Sports Radio 810 WHB, one of the top all-sports stations in the country, is once again the official radio home of the Command and will air the final 16 games of the year. The March 16 and March 23 games will air live on a station yet to be determined due to previous contractual commitments for WHB.
In addition to the contests that will air on KSMO-TV, all Command games, except the April 30 contest at Tampa Bay, will be available for live and video on demand viewing through a landmark AFL partnership with Ustream, the league announced earlier in February. Fans will be able to access the online broadcasts through KCCommand.com, Facebook, Ustream.tv, and on the Command's own Ustream team page.
Kansas City veteran sportscaster Nick McCabe will return for a second season as "Voice of the Command." Joining him on the lead broadcast crew will be analyst Stan Weber, who enters his fifth season announcing Kansas City arena football. A former Kansas State Wildcat quarterback, Weber just finished his 23rd season in the K-State football broadcast booth.
Kansas City Command Schedule Date/Time Opponent TV Radio
Friday, March 16 - 7:30pm Jacksonville Ustream TBD
Friday, March 23 - 6:30pm at Cleveland Ustream TBD
Thursday, March 29 - 7:30pm Arizona KSMO-TV WHB
Saturday, April 7 - 7pm at Chicago Ustream WHB
Saturday, April 21 - 9:30pm at San Jose KSMO-TV WHB
Monday, April 30 - 7pm at Tampa Bay NFL Network WHB
Saturday, May 5 - 7pm San Antonio KSMO-TV WHB
Saturday, May 12 - 7pm at Iowa Ustream WHB
Saturday, May 19 - 6:30pm at Pittsburgh KSMO-TV WHB
Saturday, May 26 - 7pm Georgia KSMO-TV WHB
Saturday, June 2 - 7pm Utah KSMO-TV WHB
Saturday, June 9 - 9pm at Spokane KSMO-TV WHB
Sunday, June 17 - 2pm San Jose KSMO-TV WHB
Saturday, June 23 - 7pm Chicago Ustream WHB
Saturday, June 30 - 7pm at San Antonio KSMO-TV WHB
Saturday, July 7 - 7pm Iowa Ustream WHB
Saturday, July 14 - 7pm Spokane Shock Ustream WHB
Saturday, July 21 - 9pm at Arizona KSMO-TV WHB
*Broadcast Schedule Subject to Change
KSMO-TV Channel Lineup Broadcast: 62 (analog), 62.1 (digital) Time Warner Cable: 10, 1010 (HD) Comcast: 10, 237 (HD), 810 (HD) AT&T U-Verse: 62, 1062 (HD) DirecTV: 62, 951 (HD) Dish Network: 62, 6382 (HD), 8434 Surewest: 10, 619 (HD)

Friday, March 2, 2012

AFLi Returns to "Net10 Arena Football Friday" Broadcasts

Arena Football fans will once again have the opportunity to have their questions answered by players and coaches live during "NET10 Arena Football Friday" broadcasts on NFL Network, as AFLi will return for its second season, the League office announced today.
"The 25th season of the Arena Football League is the 'Year of the Fan,''' NFL Network personality and AFL Vice President of Broadcasting, Communications and Branding said. "Last season, we received an extremely positive response from fans interacting with players and coaches during NFL Network broadcasts. We are excited to bring this feature back for the 2012 season."
When the AFLi logo appears during each NFL Network broadcast of "NET10 Arena Football Friday," fans may submit questions for players and coaches to the League's twitter handle, @AFLarenaball, using the hashtag #AFLi, or via the Official Arena Football League's Facebook page.
AFLi kicks off the 2012 season on Friday, March 9 at the Hall of Fame game in Orlando, Florida, where the Predators play host to the Pittsburgh Power, live on NFL Network's "NET10 Arena Football Friday." Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET with pregame coverage beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET on NFL Network.