Sharks Offer Exclusive One-Day Presale On KISS and ArenaBowl Tickets

The 2012 South Division Champion Jacksonville Sharks announced Wednesday that the team is offering an exclusive package of tickets to ArenaBowl XXVI and the KISS performance that headlines ArenaBowl weekend. The concert and game will be held at the Amway Center in Orlando on August 16 and 17, respectively."¨

Beginning this evening, Shark season ticket holders can purchase KISS and ArenaBowl XXVI tickets on Ticketmaster.com. This offer is exclusive for Sharks Season Ticket Holders, and will be available until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 3.

"We hope to pair the hottest band in the world with the hottest team in the AFL on August 16-17 in Orlando, Florida at the Amway Center," stated Sharks Managing Partner Jeff Bouchy. "We always aim to give Shark Nation the ultimate fan experience, and allowing our season ticket holders to purchase KISS and ArenaBowl XXVI tickets before they go on sale to the general public is a continuation of this experience and our dedication to them.""¨

The tickets available through this exclusive offer are located in premier sections that are not currently available to the general public. Specific instructions about how to take advantage of this offer will be emailed to Shark season ticket holders this evening. Season Ticket Holders who inadvertently do not receive the email may obtain these exclusive instructions by calling the Sharks ticket office at (904) 621-0700.

Tampa Bay Storm Organization Honored by League Office

The Arena Football League announced today the Tampa Bay Storm was awarded with the Source One Support Staff of the Year Award. The recognition includes the team's front office support as a whole, a combination of Public Relations, Operations, Player Personnel, Coaches, Management and Equipment Staff.
"This was a collective effort and demonstrates everyone's commitment at Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment to providing world class service to our fans, employees, colleagues and fellow members of the Arena Football League," said Tampa Bay Storm President Derrick Brooks.
Prior to the 2011 Arena Football League season, Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment Chairman Jeff Vinik purchased the Storm. With Tod Leiweke serving as CEO and under the direction of President Derrick Brooks, the Storm became the model Arena Football League organization.
For Tampa Bay, an original member of the Arena Football League, this is the first organizational award in the rich history and tradition of the franchise that includes a league-high five ArenaBowl Championships, the most wins by any team (207) and the all-time attendance leader (2,276,930) in AFL history.
The Arena Football League, celebrating its Silver Anniversary Season, will host AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV in New Orleans, LA. The Philadelphia Soul will take on the Arizona Rattlers on Friday, August 10 at 10:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network at the New Orleans Arena.

San Antonio Talons Receive Commissioner's Award

The San Antonio Talons are the winners of the 2012 Commissioner’s Award, Arena Football League Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz announced today.
“The Talons displayed excellence both on and off the field,” Kurz said. “The team’s tremendous success in their inaugural season displayed why San Antonio was a perfect market for the fast-paced game of Arena Football. With just one-year in the League, they are already highly recognized in the San Antonio community.”
The Talons, led by legendary quarterback Aaron Garcia, finished their 2012 campaign with the best record (14-4) in the National Conference and as Central Division Champions.
“It’s more than just on the field. This is the most fan-friendly sport in the world. We stress community and our fans,” Kurz said. “The organization quickly laid down a foundation that this League prides itself on.”
Following the 2012 season, Talons Owner David Lynd announced the hiring of the long-time AFL executive Keith Recine. Recine and the Talons will focus on “community based marketing” and a commitment to providing a total sports entertainment experience for the fans in every game.
In 2011, the Pittsburgh Power received the Commissioner’s Award following their inaugural season.
The Arena Football League also honored Kurz, Jim Foster and William Niro with the 25th Anniversary Service Award. The award exemplifies the commitment of excellence to the Arena Football League over its 25 years of existence. Foster, who invented the game of Arena Football, also served as the League’s Commissioner (1997-92), an owner, president and earned Executive of the Year. Niro represented Foster in the formation of the AFL, was an original founder and served on the AFL Board of Directors (1990-2010). Niro currently represents the League in procurement and protection of AFL brand identity and trademarks. Kurz, who currently serves as the League’s Commissioner, has been involved with the game for 27 yards. He successfully resurrected the League in 2009 and continually displays his passion and devotion to the game.

Joey's Hope Wheelchair Basketball Game Tonight

The Arena Football League and Delgado Community College will host the Joey’s Hope Wheelchair Basketball game tonight (Wednesday, August 8) at 7 p.m. CT, the League Office announced today.
Participating players from both teams in AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV will play against the Rollin’ Hornets, a wheelchair basketball team based in New Orleans.
The Rollin’ Hornets Athletic Association provides sports and recreational programs and events for youth and adults with disabilities.
Admission to the event is free to the public, but donations are encouraged. All of the proceeds from the event will go to support Joey’s Hope for Hungry Children.
Joey’s Hope for Hungry Children was formed to honor the life of New Orleans local USMC Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia who lost his life serving his country on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan. With a passion for helping children, his family and friends collect and purchase food items to send home with hungry school children in New Orleans.

Arena Bowl has Soul, fans to send team off at airport hotel

The Philadelphia Soul, which are headed to New Orleans to take on the Arizona Rattlers in the ArenaBowl XXV, are hosting a send-off party at Aloft Philadelphia Airport Hotel this afternoon from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Soul players, coaches, mascot Soulman, cheerleaders the Soulmates and members of the ownership group will be in attendance as well as the entire front office.
On Friday, the Soul beat the Jacksonville Sharks 89-34 to win the American Conference title in front of 12,332 fans at the Wells Fargo Center, one of the team’s biggest crowds of the year.
The Soul won their first AFL championship, Arena Bowl XXII, in 2008.

ArenaBowl XXV Matchup Is Set

After a 75-69 victory over the Utah Blaze in the National Conference championship game, the Arizona Rattlers (13-5) are headed to New Orleans for a meeting with the Philadelphia Soul (15-3) in AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV.
One of the League’s most storied franchises, the Rattlers are primed for their second consecutive ArenaBowl appearance and seventh championship game in franchise history. After winning the West Division for the second consecutive season, Head Coach KEVIN GUY aims to bring the Foster Trophy back to the Valley for the first time since 1997.
The Soul were crowned ArenaBowl champions the last time New Orleans hosted an ArenaBowl. Four years later, the Big Game is back in the “Big Easy” and Head Coach Doug Plank has his sights set on bringing another pro football championship back to Philadelphia. Guided by Offensive Coordinator Clint Dolezel, the Soul offense put up eye-popping numbers in 2012, becoming the first team in AFL history to begin a season with eight straight 60+ point games. In the 2012 postseason, the Soul took down the New Orleans VooDoo (8-10), 66-53, in the opening rounds and scored an AFL postseason-record 89 points against the defending-champion Jacksonville Sharks (10-8) in the American Conference championship game. Their 55-point margin of victory over the Sharks also represents the largest in AFL postseason history.
The Soul and Rattlers will clash for the first time this season in New Orleans on August 10. Kickoff for AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV is set for 10:30 p.m. ET.

Wendell Pierce, Sterling Farms, AFL to Hold Food Drive

The Arena Football League will join forces with actor Wendell Pierce to launch the AFL Sterling Farms Fresh Food Drive on Tuesday, August 7th. The newly-launched grocery chain, owned in part by Pierce, will provide bags of fresh produce free to 500 New Orleans area residents in need. The event will take place at the Lapalco Village Shopping Center in Marrero, LA, future home of Sterling Farms, from 4 p.m. CT – 6 p.m. CT . The AFL will be hosting its championship game, AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV on Friday, August 10th at the New Orleans Arena.
Pierce, a New Orleans native who starred in the HBO drama The Wire and plays a leading role in the HBO series Treme, co-founded Sterling Farms grocery stores to directly provide fresh grocery products to residents in underserved New Orleans neighborhoods hit hard by Hurricane Katrina. Sterling Farms will manage three grocery and convenience stores in the New Orleans area in the coming months. The AFL Sterling Farms Fresh Food Drive will take place at the future site of the first Sterling Farms full service grocery store in Marrero.
“This is one of our outreach campaigns to end food deserts,” Pierce said. “We are happy to provide many of families who are in need with some of the fresh produce and grocery items that our company will offer.  The families in these underserved areas will benefit from a company like ours and our mission to provide them the sterling service they deserve.  We are grateful to the AFL for inviting us to be a partner on this very gratifying project.”  Members of both AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV teams will aid Pierce in greeting and assisting residents as they receive the fresh produce and grocery items from Sterling Farms.
“The AFL Sterling Farms Fresh Food Drive is an excellent prelude to AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV,” Adam Robbins, Sr. VP of Marketing and Partnerships for the AFL, said. “Being able to give back to the New Orleans community and contributing to such a meaningful mission with Sterling Farms and Wendell Pierce is an exciting opportunity for the AFL.”
AVITAE Caffeinated Water, RAM Trucks and 711 Bourbon Heat will be sponsoring the event with the AFL and Sterling Farms.

AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV Charity Golf Invitational Is Set

The Arena Football League will host the AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV Charity Golf Invitational at the Stonebridge Golf Club of New Orleans on Thursday, August 9, the League Office announced today.
The four-man scramble will tee off at 8:30 a.m. CT and features select players and coaches competing in AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV, AFL executives, personalities, AFL Hall of Famers, fans and members of the media.
Stonebridge Golf Club is a premier golf course showcasing canals, bayous, reptiles, and other wild life in 27 holes of unique, scenic golf that represents everything about New Orleans. The course is a links-style design with over 100 sand traps and six different sets of tees.
Registration is open to the public and will begin at 7:00 a.m CT. The shotgun start will promptly tee-off at 8:30 a.m. CT and lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. CT.
Food sponsors include Acme Oyster House, Hooters, City Diner, Nacho Mama’s, Rivershack, Big Boy Tamales, and Ligniappe Sno Balls. Coke and Powerade, Old New Orleans Rum, and Budweiser. Miller-Coors will also provide the beverages at the event.
The AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV Championship game will be played just one day the event on Friday, August 10 at 10:30 p.m. ET.

AVITAE ArenaBowl Sweepstakes Winner Announced

A winner has been selected in the AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV Sweepstakes, the AFL Office announced today.
Sally Dold of Kansas City, Missouri will be heading to New Orleans with her husband for AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV. Dold, a Kansas City Command fan, says this will be her first ArenaBowl.
Dold’s prize package includes roundtrip airfare to New Orleans, two tickets to AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV, the Silver Anniversary Gala and Commissioner’s Tailgate Party, as well as two nights’ hotel accommodations for the game and festivities.
The Road to AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV continues this Friday, as the top-seeded Philadelphia Soul host the Jacksonville Sharks in the American Conference Championship on NFL Network’s broadcast of “NET10 Arena Football Friday”. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.

AFL Postseason Matchups Set

The Arena Football League’s 2012 regular season has come to a close. The AFL postseason is set to kickoff on Friday, July 27 featuring the #4 seeded Utah Blaze (12-6) at the  # 1 seeded Central Division champion San Antonio Talons (14-4) on NFL Network at 8 p.m. ET.
The #2 seeded West Division champion Arizona Rattlers (13-5) will host the #3 seeded San Jose SaberCats (12-6) on Saturday, July 28 at 10 p.m. ET. The game will be televised locally and can be seen on UStream.tv/afl. In the American Conference, the defending ArenaBowl champion, South Division champion and #2 seeded Jacksonville Sharks (10-8) will host the #3 seeded Georgia Force (9-9) on Saturday, July 28 at 7 p.m. ET and can also be seen on UStream.tv/afl.
The #4 seeded New Orleans VooDoo (8-10) travels to Philadelphia to face the #1 seeded East Division champion Soul (15-3) on Saturday, July 28. The game can be seen on UStream.tv/afl. The game is set to kickoff at 7:05 p.m. ET.
The three-week AFL postseason culminates with AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV on August 10, 2012 from New Orleans, LA. The game will be broadcasted nationally on NFL Network. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET.

AFL Field Pass Subscriber Wins ArenaBowl Trip

With the 2012 Arena Football League regular season in the books, the AFL has announced the winner of the AFL Field Pass trip to AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV.
AFL Field Pass subscriber Mike Dawson will be headed to AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV as the winner of a trip for two to New Orleans.
Dawson was an active Field Pass member, participating in Field Pass “Top 25” votes and winning the fan club’s regular season “Pick’Em” game. Dawson and his wife, Carrie, also earned a pair of actual field passes for a Chicago Rush home game earlier this season as well.
All AFL Field Pass members attending AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV will be granted special access to a number of events, including Media Day, a “Haunted History Tour” with the 2012 NET10 Dream Team, priority seating to the Wheelchair Basketball Game for Joey’s Hope, special admittance to the Silver Anniversary Gala, a tour of the New Orleans Arena and behind-the-scenes access to FanFest and the Commissioner’s Tailgate prior to AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV on August 10.
AFL Field Pass, the official fan club of the Arena Football League, offers fans insider web content and access to videos and contests on AFLFieldPass.com, as well as other benefits, including a personalized membership card, a Silver Anniversary lapel pin, and a commemorative Silver Anniversary Magazine.
The Road to AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV begins this Friday, as the top-seeded San Antonio Talons host the Utah Blaze in the opening round of the 2012 playoffs on NFL Network’s broadcast of “NET10 Arena Football Friday”. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.

Kickoff for Avitae ArenaBowl XXV Pushed to 10:30 Pm ET

The kickoff time for AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV has been pushed to 10:30 pm ET, the Arena Football League announced today. Due to the NFL Network broadcast of the New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals preseason game conflicting with the original ArenaBowl kickoff time, a decision was made to keep the telecast live. Tim Tebow's first game as a member of the Jets will serve as a prelude to the AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV telecast.
"We were presented with the option to air the game tape delayed, but didn't feel that this would be fitting," Arena Football League Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz said. "A multitude of countries around the world have watched recent ArenaBowls live, our fans want it live, and we know that if any city can handle a late party, it's New Orleans."
There were 14,320 fans in attendance at the US Airways center for ArenaBowl XXIV last season. That NFL Network broadcast grabbed a record rating, which was the second AFL ratings record in as many weeks. AFL partners such as NET10 and AVITAE will be featured in television commercials throughout the day promoting the game.
While the NFL preseason broadcast takes place, AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV Fan Fest will be going on outside the New Orleans Arena, where fans will take part in multiple activities with the National Guard, the NET10 Challenge, musical performances, acrobatic displays, food, beverages, and more. The pregame festivities will lead directly up to kickoff and the postgame festivities will carry into the night.
"Our fans believe in us and are willing to find us on our season long, three-year broadcast partner," Kurz said. "Those in attendance will be treated to a host of activities throughout the day and those watching at home will get to see the two best teams in our League play in our Silver Anniversary Championship."

AVITAE ArenaBowl Field Pass Package Announced

Subscribers to AFL Field Pass, the official fan club of the Arena Football League, will be granted special access to AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV events, the League office announced today.
AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV Week will begin with Media Day on Wednesday, August 8. Field Pass subscribers will be allowed special admission and field access to the event with their membership cards. Field Pass subscribers are also invited to join the 2012 NET10 Dream Team on a “Haunted History Tour” on Wednesday and will receive priority seating to the AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV Wheelchair Basketball Game for Joey’s Hope on Wednesday night.
In addition, members will also gain special admittance to the Silver Anniversary Gala on Thursday evening. The Gala will include the awards ceremony for 2012 AFL award winners.
Before AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV kicks off on Friday, August 10, Field Pass subscribers will receive a tour of the New Orleans Arena, as well as behind-the-scenes access to Fan Fest and the Commissioner’s Tailgate. Members will also have the opportunity to interact with AFL staff and players throughout the week.

Fans to Vote on Player of the Year Nominees

Arena Football fans will have a unique opportunity in the final Week of the 2012 regular season coined the "Year of the Fan." Beginning on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, the Arena Football League will open fan voting on ArenaFootball.com for Player of the Year nominees, the League Office announced today.
The Arena Football League will open voting for six categories starting tomorrow. One category will open per day, with voting lasting 24 hours. Voting will kickoff at 1:00 pm ET and switch each day through Sunday, July 22.
The fan-voting schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, July 17 - NET10 Rookie of the Year
Wednesday, July 18 - J. Lewis Small Ironman of the Year
Thursday, July 19 - NET10 Head Coach of the Year
Friday, July 20 - Riddell Defensive Player of the Year
Saturday, July 21 - Russell Offensive Player of the Year
Sunday, July 22 - National Guard MVP of the Year
Fan voting for each candidate and category is unlimited and will be factored into votes from current AFL Head Coaches, AFL Media Departments and the League Office.
Player of the Year winners will be announced throughout a weeklong celebration of the League's 25th Anniversary in New Orleans beginning Monday, August 6. AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV is set for Friday, August 10 on NFL Network.

AFL Announces AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV Sweepstakes

As the Arena Football League celebrates its Silver Anniversary Championship game, Arena Football fans will have the opportunity to enter the AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV Sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for two to ArenaBowl XXV in New Orleans, the League office announced today.
The prize package includes travel to New Orleans for one winner and a guest to attend AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV on August 10. The winner will also receive two tickets to both the ArenaBowl XXV Silver Anniversary Gala and Commissioner’s Tailgate party, as well as two nights’ hotel accommodations for the game and festivities. They will also receive special access to ArenaBowl XXV Media Day at the New Orleans Arena.
Fans may submit one entry per valid email address at www.arenafootball.com/avitaesweepstakes for the chance to be randomly selected as the AVITAE Sweepstakes Grand Prize winner. The deadline for submissions is July 20, 2012 at 11 a.m. CT.

AFL Lands ArenaBowl XXV Partnership with AVITAE

While the AFL agreed to terms on a multi-year CBA, the Arena Football League and AVITAE Caffeinated Water also reached a title partnership agreement for ArenaBowl XXV, AFL Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz announced today.
The League’s Championship game, slated for Friday, August 10, 2012, will be coined “AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV”. The game, which culminates the League’s celebration of its 25th Anniversary, will be played at the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, LA and will be televised nationally on NFL Network.
“AVITAE’s support for the Arena Football League during our extensive labor negotiations was unwavering. We are thrilled to announce the AFL’s title partnership with AVITAE for ArenaBowl XXV,” Kurz said. “AVITAE has joined a group of tremendous partners who believe in and are dedicated to the success of the league and its players. So much of what has been accomplished can be attributed to their support.”
“They never gave up on hopes for the 25th season of the AFL,” Kurz said. Staring down a labor dispute between the AFL and AFL Player’s Union, AVITAE pledged its full support, backing a resolution between the two parties.
AVITAE Caffeinated Water is a rapidly growing beverage company based out of Columbus, Ohio that seeks to change the world.
“The energy and excitement of the AVITAE brand is a perfect fit for the AFL’s fast paced, entertaining style of play,” AFL Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Adam Robbins said.
“This resolution is bigger than just the players and the league, it’s about the fans and the passion they possess” AVITAE CEO Brian Pitzer said. “That is what makes our partnership so fantastic, the desire each of us shares to be revolutionary and innovative while creating options for our friends and family.  What an amazing way to conclude the remainder of the Arena Football League’s 25th anniversary season.”
About AVITAE Caffeinated Water
AVITAE Caffeinated Water is the world’s leading caffeinated water company and seeks to provide consumers a better alternative to less healthy caffeinated beverages and sugary drinks. AVITAE vows to provide “the healthy hydration you want with the caffeine lift you need.”  AVITAE Caffeinated Water is currently offered in ORGININAL - 45 mg and DOUBLE - 90 mg caffeine amounts for all lifestyles, sold nationwide. More information is available at www.avitaeusa.com.

AFL Hall of Fame Advisory Board Announced

The Arena Football League announced seven members of the 2012 Hall of Fame Advisory Board today.
The Advisory Board will select ten candidates for Hall of Fame voting based on AFL contribution in the categories of players, coaches, administrators, officials and “at large.”
The Advisory Board includes: MARK ANDERSON, creator of the Arena Football League Writers’ Association; ED BARKOWITZ, a veteran Philadelphia Daily News reporter; TROY CLARDY, play-by-play voice of the Pittsburgh Power; current play-by-play voice of the Chicago Rush, LES GROBSTEIN; WILLIAM NIRO, a founding father of the Arena Football League; RICHARD OBERT, Arizona Republic reporter; and ARI WOLFE, who currently serves as a play-by-play announcer and sideline reporter for “NET10 Arena Football Friday” on NFL Network.
Anderson, who created the Arena Football League Writers’ Association in 2004, covered the Las Vegas Gladiators from 2003-2007 for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and later covered the AFL for Pro Football Weekly in 2008 and 2010.
Barkowitz has been covering the Soul and the AFL for the Philadelphia Daily News since the team’s launch in 2004. He has also worked as a general assignment sports writer for the Daily News since 1993, covering the World Series, Stanley Cup and NBA Finals.
Clardy, now in his 13th season following the AFL, is currently the radio play-by-play voice of the Pittsburgh Power. From 2006-2008, he hosted “Inside the AFL”, ESPN’s official Arena Football League podcast. He also served as the San Jose SaberCats pregame and postgame host during radio broadcasts from 2001-2005 and worked as a color commentator from 2007-2008.
Grobstein, a Chicago sports radio veteran of more than 30 years, is currently the play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Rush. He has covered the Arena Football League since its inception in 1987.
Niro, a Chicago attorney, is an original founder of the AFL and partner at Gridiron Enterprises, a sports consulting company based in Chicago, IL.
Obert has worked at the Arizona Republic since 1982 and has covered the Arizona Rattlers since their inception in 1992. He was on-hand for two Rattlers’ ArenaBowl victories. He also covered the University of Arizona men’s basketball program from 1992-1995 and again during the 2000-2001 season, as well as the Arizona State University men’s basketball program during the 1999-2000 season.
Wolfe worked as the TV and Radio play-by-play announcer for the Albany/Indiana Firebirds from 1998-2003 and the Philadelphia Soul from 2004-2008. He now serves as a play-by-play announcer and sideline reporter for NFL Network and has worked in some capacity at every ArenaBowl since 2002. During the 2008 season, he had his own column on ArenaFootball.com entitled, “Wolfe’s Den”.
The Advisory Board will select ten candidates for Hall of Fame nomination on Wednesday, June 20 and the nominees will be announced Friday, June 22 on NFL Network. Fans and current Hall of Fame members will then vote on the selected candidates beginning on Monday, June 25. Votes will then be turned in to the Hall of Fame Operating Board of Directors.
In order to be nominated for the 2012 Hall of Fame Class, candidates must meet four criteria. If a player was active before 1989, he must have played for two seasons. For players after 1989, three seasons of service are required. All players must be retired for three complete seasons. Coaches must have been active for a minimum of five seasons and need not be retired.
The 2012 Hall of Fame Class will be announced during ArenaBowl XXV in New Orleans on August 10 and inductions will be held during the Arena Football League’s 2013 opening weekend.

ArenaBowl XXV - Welcome to New Orleans

By A.W. Herndon
The BCS National Championship game may not have provided New Orleans football fans with the high-octane offenses they’ve grown accustom to seeing, but they will not have to wait until next season for a championship shootout in the Bayou. ArenaBowl XXV is coming to the city on August 10, 2012, and that means touchdowns in Nola will be as common as crawfish.
ArenaBowl will join the Allstate Sugar Bowl, BCS National Championship game and the 2012 NCAA Final Four as part of a sports-packed calendar year for the city, with the Super Bowl coming in 2013.
For New Orleans resident and owner of the AFL’s New Orleans Voodoo Dan Newman, it is no shock that major sports events flock to the city.
“(New Orleans) is a destination because of the culture, food and the wonderful people,” he said. “People build themselves around entertaining here and it shows.”
According to Newman, it’s attractive for leagues such as the AFL because the city is a “football town” that consistently rallies behind its teams. He points to 2007 and 2008, the last time the ArenaBowl was held in New Orleans as proof of the cities dedication to football. Both games were sellouts.
“Louisiana is a football Mecca,” Newman said.
This season the AFL is returning to hosting its championship game on a neutral site, its first time since 2008. In last season’s championship, the Jacksonville Sharks beat the Arizona Rattlers on their home field, which was given to them due to seeding.
“The last time we held the ArenaBowl at a neutral-site, New Orleans proved themselves as great hosts,” AFL Commissioner Jerry Kurz said. “The entertainment and atmosphere was electric and we cannot wait to accomplish even more this season.”
Newman and Kurz agreed that this year’s ArenaBowl is slightly different, however. It’s more than a football game. It will be the celebration of a historic AFL season.
“This is our Silver Anniversary of the AFL, and through a variety of events we want to culminate the season with a bang,” Kurz said. “We have a week-long schedule of events planned that will be a great experience for everyone who attends.”
Newman said the events – including a golf tournament, major concert and Silver Anniversary Gala – will be just a prelude to the main attraction, the big game.
“I expect nothing less (of what we did in ’07 and’08),” he said. “We’ve already sold a bunch of tickets, and as the season begins the excitement around ArenaBowl will grow even more.
That’s good news for everyone, but especially for the New Orleans football fans.
Kentucky was crowned champion last week. LSU was anointed earlier. And in August, it’ll be the ArenaBowl’s turn.