The Philadelphia Soul, Greater Media's Philadelphia-based radio stations (including WMGK 102.9 FM, WMMR 93.3 FM, WBEN 95.7 FM, WPEN 950 AM, WPEN-FM 97.5 FM) and the Philadelphia Children's Alliance announce a unique partnership that will unite them in engaging Soul fans and radio station listeners in an historic effort to bring healing and justice to child victims of sexual abuse. On Monday, January 30th, they will launch the STAND UP Radio Rally - a one day awareness campaign created in response to recent and troubling headlines related to the sexual abuse of children.
"With recent headlines dominated by very public reports of child sexual abuse, we were inspired by the positive work of the Philadelphia Children's Alliance on behalf of children in our city who are victims. Our organizations are joining together to ask people to stand up and take a pledge to report abuse," said ESPN Monday Night Football broadcaster and Soul co-majority owner, Ron Jaworski, "And, that is the first step toward healing and justice for these children."
In an Op-Ed piece written by Philadelphia Children's Alliance Executive Director Chris Kirchner in November 2011, readers were asked to take this pledge, "If I see, hear, suspect, or in any way become aware that a child is being abused, I will not keep silent. I will have the courage to help that child break free of the silence, secrecy and shame that should never define a child's life." That pledge inspired the Philadelphia Soul to introduce the partnership with Greater Media on behalf of PCA.
"It is our goal to not only raise a significant amount of money for the Philadelphia Children's Alliance on Monday, but to also create a heightened sense of awareness of this important issue and provide direction for our listeners on how to take a stand against child sexual abuse," said Paul Blake, Greater Media Philadelphia's Vice President of Sales.
"We feel incredibly supported and excited by this opportunity, most especially for the children and families whose lives will be strengthened and improved because of our partnership with Philadelphia Soul, Greater Media and the 2.6 million listeners who are going to learn about this issue in a whole new way," said Jan Hatchard, Director of Development for the Philadelphia Children's Alliance. "We are proud to partner with these two outstanding organizations and grateful that they are stepping up and standing up in such a positive, and impactful way."
On Monday, January 30, Greater Media Philadelphia radio stations will promote the efforts of the Soul and the Children's Alliance to inspire the community to participate in support of this cause. They will be joined in their efforts by celebrities and public figures including: Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter; ESPN Monday Night Football broadcaster and Soul owner Ron Jaworski; Philadelphia Eagles' Head Coach Andy Reid; Olympic Gold Medalist Carl Lewis; former Philadelphia Eagle Vince Papale; Philadelphia Eagles' Chad Hall; Philadelphia Eagles' Jon Dorenbos and his wife Julie Dorenbos; Pennsylvania Congressman Chaka Fattah; Pennsylvania Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick; District Attorney Seth Williams; DHS Commissioner Anne Marie Ambrose; myPHL17/Channel 10 anchor Steve Highsmith; ESPN's Chris Mortensen; The Roots' Kamal Gray; and stand-up comedian Todd Glass.
Tickets for the Philadelphia Soul's home opener are set to go on sale on January 30. Through this partnership, the Soul will donate $15 from every $28 ticket sold to the Philadelphia Children's Alliance. Starting Monday morning, you will be able to go to the websites of the Philadelphia Soul, Philadelphia Greater Media or Philadelphia Children's Alliance to learn more on how you can support the cause.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Dan Gilbert's Cavaliers Buys Arena Football League's Cleveland Gladiators
For a 50th birthday present, Dan Gilbert bought himself an Arena Football League franchise.
Gilbert's Cavaliers ownership group officially announced Tuesday the acquisition of the Cleveland Gladiators from Jim Ferraro. Terms were not disclosed. The Cavaliers are the sole owner.
Gilbert, who turned 50 on Tuesday, was absent from Tuesday's news conference at The Q. Cavaliers President Len Komoroski was his point man, seated at a table alongside Ferraro and Gladiators special adviser Bernie Kosar.
"We're bullish on the AFL and the Gladiators," Komoroski said. "We think the AFL is an incredibly dynamic product, and we're in this for the long haul."
The new ownership has no time to waste in trying to pump life back into a franchise that wandered in the wilderness the past two years. The Gladiators begin training camp in February; the first practice is Feb. 20. They open the season March 12 at Georgia and at home March 26 against Kansas City.
"As we enter the league's 25th anniversary, it speaks volumes to partner with Dan Gilbert and the Cavaliers organization," AFL Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz said in a release. "It is a tremendous honor to welcome Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Komoroski and the Cavaliers organization to the Arena Football League, as they have always shown such commitment to their fans."
Among those in attendance Tuesday was Steve Thonn, the Gladiators' coach the past two seasons, who has been retained.
"I loved being here the last two years, and it's going to be even better under Dan Gilbert," he said. "I'm excited, our whole team is excited. It really is a great day for the Gladiators."
On Gilbert's Gateway Monopoly board, the Gladiators franchise is far from Boardwalk, but it isn't Mediterranean Avenue, either. It's more like Saint Charles Place -- a solid piece with potential for fun.
"This is another example of Dan Gilbert's commitment to Northeast Ohio," Komoroski said. "This is what we do: We're a sports and entertainment entity. The Gladiators just felt right, a natural fit with our vision."
Gilbert's group also owns the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League and the Canton Charge of the NBA's Development League.
Ferraro had been majority owner of the franchise since 2000, when it was in New Jersey. He moved it to Las Vegas in December 2002. After the 2007 season, Ferraro aligned with Kosar and brought it to Cleveland.
The Gladiators enjoyed a strong inaugural season in 2008, drawing five-digit crowds at The Q and reaching the playoffs. But the AFL went dark in 2009 to revamp its business model. When the Gladiators returned with the league in 2010, they experienced a fraction of their previous popularity.
Last season, the Gladiators won the East Division but generated minimal buzz. Many home crowds totaled no more than several thousand. Ferraro, a trial lawyer with offices in several cities, struggled staying on top of the Gladiators' situation -- at least not to the level he did in 2008. As a result, he approached the Cavaliers this winter.
"It's bittersweet for me because I started the franchise from scratch," Ferraro said. "I'm very passionate about the game, and I'm very passionate about the Gladiators. But I didn't have the time to right the ship. I wasn't going to move the product; it always was going to stay in Cleveland, regardless. To sell to Dan Gilbert is a win for everybody, and I know the Gladiators will thrive under him."
Ferraro and Komoroski characterized the negotiations as "smooth" and "friendly."
"I want to thank Jim Ferraro," Komoroski said. "If not for him, we wouldn't have arena football in Cleveland."
Gladiators players and fans interviewed the past few years have said arena football can work in Cleveland provided sufficient marketing, promotion and game presentation take place. Gilbert and his staff specialize in these areas.
The American Hockey League's Lake Erie Monsters are in their fifth season, all under Cavaliers ownership. The Monsters have ranked among AHL leaders in attendance. They have averaged 6,777 in 18 dates this season, an increase of more than 1,000 from the same point in 2010-11. Their game-operations people won an award from the AHL last summer.
"We will operate the Gladiators in a new, expanded way because we're able to utilize all our resources," Komoroski said. "They were already under our roof. We recognized the inherent advantages."
Former Browns quarterback Kosar and Gilbert are friends. Kosar, part owner and club president in the inaugural season with Ferraro in Cleveland, will remain as an adviser.
"It's important that the NFL guys stay out of the way of the arena guys and let them do their thing," Kosar said.
The Gladiators will move their offices from Huron Road into The Q. Phil Tesar, who has held a variety of positions including general manager since the franchise came to Cleveland, will remain with the organization.
Gilbert's Cavaliers ownership group officially announced Tuesday the acquisition of the Cleveland Gladiators from Jim Ferraro. Terms were not disclosed. The Cavaliers are the sole owner.
Gilbert, who turned 50 on Tuesday, was absent from Tuesday's news conference at The Q. Cavaliers President Len Komoroski was his point man, seated at a table alongside Ferraro and Gladiators special adviser Bernie Kosar.
"We're bullish on the AFL and the Gladiators," Komoroski said. "We think the AFL is an incredibly dynamic product, and we're in this for the long haul."
The new ownership has no time to waste in trying to pump life back into a franchise that wandered in the wilderness the past two years. The Gladiators begin training camp in February; the first practice is Feb. 20. They open the season March 12 at Georgia and at home March 26 against Kansas City.
"As we enter the league's 25th anniversary, it speaks volumes to partner with Dan Gilbert and the Cavaliers organization," AFL Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz said in a release. "It is a tremendous honor to welcome Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Komoroski and the Cavaliers organization to the Arena Football League, as they have always shown such commitment to their fans."
Among those in attendance Tuesday was Steve Thonn, the Gladiators' coach the past two seasons, who has been retained.
"I loved being here the last two years, and it's going to be even better under Dan Gilbert," he said. "I'm excited, our whole team is excited. It really is a great day for the Gladiators."
On Gilbert's Gateway Monopoly board, the Gladiators franchise is far from Boardwalk, but it isn't Mediterranean Avenue, either. It's more like Saint Charles Place -- a solid piece with potential for fun.
"This is another example of Dan Gilbert's commitment to Northeast Ohio," Komoroski said. "This is what we do: We're a sports and entertainment entity. The Gladiators just felt right, a natural fit with our vision."
Gilbert's group also owns the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League and the Canton Charge of the NBA's Development League.
Ferraro had been majority owner of the franchise since 2000, when it was in New Jersey. He moved it to Las Vegas in December 2002. After the 2007 season, Ferraro aligned with Kosar and brought it to Cleveland.
The Gladiators enjoyed a strong inaugural season in 2008, drawing five-digit crowds at The Q and reaching the playoffs. But the AFL went dark in 2009 to revamp its business model. When the Gladiators returned with the league in 2010, they experienced a fraction of their previous popularity.
Last season, the Gladiators won the East Division but generated minimal buzz. Many home crowds totaled no more than several thousand. Ferraro, a trial lawyer with offices in several cities, struggled staying on top of the Gladiators' situation -- at least not to the level he did in 2008. As a result, he approached the Cavaliers this winter.
"It's bittersweet for me because I started the franchise from scratch," Ferraro said. "I'm very passionate about the game, and I'm very passionate about the Gladiators. But I didn't have the time to right the ship. I wasn't going to move the product; it always was going to stay in Cleveland, regardless. To sell to Dan Gilbert is a win for everybody, and I know the Gladiators will thrive under him."
Ferraro and Komoroski characterized the negotiations as "smooth" and "friendly."
"I want to thank Jim Ferraro," Komoroski said. "If not for him, we wouldn't have arena football in Cleveland."
Gladiators players and fans interviewed the past few years have said arena football can work in Cleveland provided sufficient marketing, promotion and game presentation take place. Gilbert and his staff specialize in these areas.
The American Hockey League's Lake Erie Monsters are in their fifth season, all under Cavaliers ownership. The Monsters have ranked among AHL leaders in attendance. They have averaged 6,777 in 18 dates this season, an increase of more than 1,000 from the same point in 2010-11. Their game-operations people won an award from the AHL last summer.
"We will operate the Gladiators in a new, expanded way because we're able to utilize all our resources," Komoroski said. "They were already under our roof. We recognized the inherent advantages."
Former Browns quarterback Kosar and Gilbert are friends. Kosar, part owner and club president in the inaugural season with Ferraro in Cleveland, will remain as an adviser.
"It's important that the NFL guys stay out of the way of the arena guys and let them do their thing," Kosar said.
The Gladiators will move their offices from Huron Road into The Q. Phil Tesar, who has held a variety of positions including general manager since the franchise came to Cleveland, will remain with the organization.
T.O. Will Play For Indoor Football League Team
Get your popcorn ready. Former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens announced on Twitter Wednesday night he’s going to play and become co-owner for the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League.
“It’s official, it just went down, I’m headed back to Dallas. That’s right IFL, here I come. Allen, Texas, here I come. I’m going to be me,” Owens said in a 22-second video posted on his Twitter account.
Wranglers co-owner Jon Frankel said Owens agreed to terms Wednesday night and he was in talks with the former NFL superstar player for several weeks.
“(Owens) has an ownership stake. This is a business decision. I’m glad everybody looks at the players’ aspects. I can’t believe T.O. will come out of that tunnel for the Allen Wranglers. He’s a great player, a winner and I’m a big fan. I want to make the Allen Wranglers the No. 1 attraction in Collin County,” said Frankel.
Wow. T.O. going from the No. 1 WR on the Bengals to the No. 1 attraction in Collin County.
Whether you dislike him for personal reasons, financial reasons, or professional reasons, you have to accept that Owens was one of the statistically best receivers to play the game. He’s second all-time in receiving yards (15,934), fourth in touchdowns (156) and sixth in catches (1,078) for five teams over his 15-year career.
The NFL is a shrewd business with tons of younger talent to take your job. The 38-year-old Owens has been good as of late, but is notorious for poisioning locker rooms and is coming off of a torn ACL that he suffered while filming his VH1 show. It is no surprise that not a single NFL team showed up for his well-publicized workout late in 2011.
However sad this might seem, the IFL could actually be good for Owens. It might finally give Owens some humility and help him straighten his life out. On the plus side, he now can sign an commercial endorsement deal with Wrangler Jeans, right? Favre needs to throw someone those passes in the mud.
“It’s official, it just went down, I’m headed back to Dallas. That’s right IFL, here I come. Allen, Texas, here I come. I’m going to be me,” Owens said in a 22-second video posted on his Twitter account.
Wranglers co-owner Jon Frankel said Owens agreed to terms Wednesday night and he was in talks with the former NFL superstar player for several weeks.
“(Owens) has an ownership stake. This is a business decision. I’m glad everybody looks at the players’ aspects. I can’t believe T.O. will come out of that tunnel for the Allen Wranglers. He’s a great player, a winner and I’m a big fan. I want to make the Allen Wranglers the No. 1 attraction in Collin County,” said Frankel.
Wow. T.O. going from the No. 1 WR on the Bengals to the No. 1 attraction in Collin County.
Whether you dislike him for personal reasons, financial reasons, or professional reasons, you have to accept that Owens was one of the statistically best receivers to play the game. He’s second all-time in receiving yards (15,934), fourth in touchdowns (156) and sixth in catches (1,078) for five teams over his 15-year career.
The NFL is a shrewd business with tons of younger talent to take your job. The 38-year-old Owens has been good as of late, but is notorious for poisioning locker rooms and is coming off of a torn ACL that he suffered while filming his VH1 show. It is no surprise that not a single NFL team showed up for his well-publicized workout late in 2011.
However sad this might seem, the IFL could actually be good for Owens. It might finally give Owens some humility and help him straighten his life out. On the plus side, he now can sign an commercial endorsement deal with Wrangler Jeans, right? Favre needs to throw someone those passes in the mud.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Everett Welcomes Indoor Football League
Global Spectrum announced today the Indoor Football League’s Everett Raptors will play their inaugural season at the Comcast Arena at Everett.
“We are pleased to add the Everett Raptors to our roster here at Comcast Arena at Everett,” commented Global Spectrum’s Kim Bedier, General Manager for the Comcast Arena. “Everett and Snohomish County have the best sports fans and I’m sure they will welcome this newest addition.”
“We are thrilled that the Raptors have chosen to locate in Everett,” Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson said. “Football fans are in for a treat with this new team. They will get fun, fast-paced football -- and all of it from a great seat right at the Comcast Arena.”
The game is exciting, fast paced, high scoring, up-close and personal, and in your face football. “Everett was an obvious choice for our team given the success in drawing crowds seen with the other teams that call Everett home,” stated Mike Barry, General Manager of Northwest Pro Sports. “The Everett Raptors are looking forward to being highly successful on and off the field. We look forward to being part of numerous outreach and community organizations with an emphasis on families and youth.”
The team’s front office is led by General Manager Mike Barry, a 22-year Snohomish County resident and Captain of the Lake Stevens Fire Department, as well as Director of Operations and game day productions, Jim Granacker.
Coach Sean Ponder brings thirteen years of coaching experience to the field from both the Arena Football League and the Indoor Football League. Coach Ponder will oversee the coaching staff including Offensive Line Coach, Ryan Lippincott, former Center at Western Washington University, and US Army vet, Mike Crecelius, former player and coach for the Snohomish County Vikings and Cascade High School.
The 2012 season home schedule is expected to be released within the next few weeks.
The Everett Raptors are settling into the community, including opening a local downtown office. Season ticket reservations are being accepted now by calling the Comcast Arena at 425.322.2645 or visiting the Everett Raptors website at www.everettraptors.com. Single game tickets are expected to go on sale in January 2012.
Indoor Football League (IFL) mission statement is “To consistently serve our guests, partners, and our homes at the highest possible level and to do so with integrity, kindness, affordability, and passion on the field, in our front offices, and around the communities in which we play.” The fast-paced, hard-hitting entertainment has become a favorite since the IFL began in 2003 and developed into its current establishment.
The Raptors join other Comcast Arena tenants, the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips, 2010 National Lacrosse League Champions the Washington Stealth, and Tilted Thunder Roller Derby.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
IFL Announces New Mexico Stars
The Indoor Football League announced today that they have accepted into the league for the 2012 season, the New Mexico Stars. The Stars will call the Santa Ana Star Center, in the city of Rio Rancho, home for the 2012 season and beyond.
“We have had an amazing response from the City of Rio Rancho, the Santa Ana Star Center and the Santa Ana Star Casino,” said Stars General Manager Dart Clark. “We feel that New Mexico will be a perfect match for the League and the New Mexico Stars Team. The area has a strong football heritage, and it is our hope to bring a first class operation to the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho area.”
The Stars also announced today their first ever Head Coach, IFL Veteran coach Chris Williams, formerly of the West Texas Roughnecks. Williams has won a league championship, in 2006, and was the head coach when the team set the record for longest regular season winning streak in professional football history at 27 games. In his eight seasons as Head Coach, the Roughnecks made the playoffs seven times. “I am excited to be staying in the IFL,” said Williams. “My family and I are excited to be moving to New Mexico and starting this new chapter of our lives. I am looking forward to building a competitive, winning team with the Stars, and am excited to be playing in one of the nicer arenas in the league in the Star Center.”
“We are confident that we have the right owners and the right league in place to bring our new team success,” said Star Center GM Gunnar Fox. “We are looking forward to our first season of play in 2012.”
“We are excited about how the Stars fit into our regional alignment out west,” stated League Commissioner Tommy Benizio. “We are continually working on building a group of strong, close playing partners for our western teams, New Mexico fits our plans perfectly.”
The Stars will be having their introductory press conference on October 20, 2011, with the team’s first open player tryout on October 29th. For more information regarding the press conference and the tryout please contact the Stars front office at 505-891-7318.
The Indoor Football League was created in 2008 from a merger between the Intense Football League and United Indoor Football Association. The league’s fourth season is set to kick off in the Spring of 2012. For more information about all things IFL log on to www.GoIFL.com or contact the league office, (804)643-7277.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Storm's Head Coach and General Manager Forwarded Porn, Racist E-mails at Work
The coach and general manager of the Tampa Bay Storm spent time on his work computer viewing potentially pornographic and racist e-mails that were sent to him and he later forwarded, according to a Hillsborough County Court deposition released Thursday.
The organization announced that it is going to hold an internal investigation into Tim Marcum's computer practices.
Bill Wickett, vice president of communications for Tampa Bay Sports & Entertainment, said in a statement company officials were disappointed to learn the news but wouldn't have any further comment. Tampa Bay Sports & Entertainment owns the Storm and the Tampa Bay Lighting.
The pornography and racist e-mails became public after Marcum was deposed on Tuesday in a lawsuit involving him and the team's former owner Robert Nucci.
Marcum was being deposed after filing a lawsuit against Nucci for back wages.
Nucci, who bought the team in 2007, also filed a lawsuit last year against Marcum and businessman Woody Kern, a former owner of the Storm. Nucci contends that both men knew the league was financially floundering and kept the information from him.
Marcum has coached the Storm since 1995. He is the winningest Arena Football League coach and has helped the organization win three of its five ArenaBowl championships. Attempts to reach Marcum on Thursday were unsuccessful, and a team representative said he wouldn't comment.
According to the depositions, the pornographic videos and images show naked women and bestiality scenes, and the racial e-mails are about blacks and many are jokes targeted at President Barack Obama.
Marcum said in the deposition that he isn't a racist and shared some information with black players.
"I've certainly shown black players certain things that, you know, they've laughed their tail off," Marcum said in the deposition. "I mean, they know how I feel, they know what's in my heart, so that – none of this has anything to do with what I feel as a man."
In the deposition, Marcum admits that he viewed them and shared the information to employees and other people outside the company. He didn't think much of it and considered it something private, even though he was at work and using an office computer.
"If I'd have known it was going to become public, if I'd have known you were going to get that off my machine, I would have made those appropriate suggestions, 'Don't send me anymore, don't do that anymore,'" Marcum said in the deposition. "I thought that was mine, I thought that was a personal thing, and, you know, evidently it wasn't."
Paul Levy, attorney for Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy organization in Washington D.C., said a lot goes on at workplaces, and some is overlooked because employers couldn't possibly control all of it. But when there's a complaint or the information becomes public, the scenario changes.
"When there is a complaint, you are subject to discipline and the employer is subject to potential liability," said Levy, who has worked in labor law and Internet free speech.
The organization announced that it is going to hold an internal investigation into Tim Marcum's computer practices.
Bill Wickett, vice president of communications for Tampa Bay Sports & Entertainment, said in a statement company officials were disappointed to learn the news but wouldn't have any further comment. Tampa Bay Sports & Entertainment owns the Storm and the Tampa Bay Lighting.
The pornography and racist e-mails became public after Marcum was deposed on Tuesday in a lawsuit involving him and the team's former owner Robert Nucci.
Marcum was being deposed after filing a lawsuit against Nucci for back wages.
Nucci, who bought the team in 2007, also filed a lawsuit last year against Marcum and businessman Woody Kern, a former owner of the Storm. Nucci contends that both men knew the league was financially floundering and kept the information from him.
Marcum has coached the Storm since 1995. He is the winningest Arena Football League coach and has helped the organization win three of its five ArenaBowl championships. Attempts to reach Marcum on Thursday were unsuccessful, and a team representative said he wouldn't comment.
According to the depositions, the pornographic videos and images show naked women and bestiality scenes, and the racial e-mails are about blacks and many are jokes targeted at President Barack Obama.
Marcum said in the deposition that he isn't a racist and shared some information with black players.
"I've certainly shown black players certain things that, you know, they've laughed their tail off," Marcum said in the deposition. "I mean, they know how I feel, they know what's in my heart, so that – none of this has anything to do with what I feel as a man."
In the deposition, Marcum admits that he viewed them and shared the information to employees and other people outside the company. He didn't think much of it and considered it something private, even though he was at work and using an office computer.
"If I'd have known it was going to become public, if I'd have known you were going to get that off my machine, I would have made those appropriate suggestions, 'Don't send me anymore, don't do that anymore,'" Marcum said in the deposition. "I thought that was mine, I thought that was a personal thing, and, you know, evidently it wasn't."
Paul Levy, attorney for Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy organization in Washington D.C., said a lot goes on at workplaces, and some is overlooked because employers couldn't possibly control all of it. But when there's a complaint or the information becomes public, the scenario changes.
"When there is a complaint, you are subject to discipline and the employer is subject to potential liability," said Levy, who has worked in labor law and Internet free speech.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Just seven months after the Tampa Bay Storm set an Arena Football League record with their eighth ArenaBowl appearance, TBSE Football, LLC, a subsidiary of Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment LLC, announced the purchase today of the Tampa Bay Storm. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
TBSE Football, LLC, led by Jeff Vinik, purchased the franchise from Tampa Bay Storm Partners, LLC, whose Chief Executive Officer is Todd Boren. Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment LLC also purchased the Tampa Bay Lightning (National Hockey League), the leasehold right to the St. Pete Times Forum and ownership of adjacent real estate on March 3, 2010.
"As our business in Tampa Bay evolves and we deepen our commitment to the community, we believe it makes sense to bring the Storm under the Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment umbrella," said Vinik upon making the announcement. "The team is an asset for Tampa Bay and its sports fans and we want to ensure its stability and position in the Arena Football League for the good of our community. At TBSE, we look forward to even more significant announcements in the future, further illustrating our intentions for Tampa Bay."
Under the new ownership, Tim Marcum will remain as the team's Head Coach and General Manager. Elmer Straub, Vice President of Event Booking for the St. Pete Times Forum, will serve on the Board of Directors for all Arena Football League matters.
"It's an honor to partner with an organization that has such a celebrated legacy such as the Tampa Bay Lightning," AFL Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz added. "We are truly excited to add Jeff Vinik and Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment to the Arena Football League today. Mr. Vinik brings a long-time passion for the sports and entertainment industry to the AFL and it is tremendous to welcome a group with football expertise brought by Tod Leiweke, having previously served as the CEO of the National Football League's Seattle Seahawks."
Vinik, 51, is the Governor and Chairman of the Tampa Bay Lightning, as well as founder and chairman of Vinik Asset Management and a minority owner of Fenway Sports Group, parent company of Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox.
"I couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Mr. Vinik to the Tampa Bay Storm family as he joins us in our quest for a sixth World Championship," Marcum said. "Under his leadership, I am confident the team will be able to develop and sustain a high degree of stability, while consistently providing our fans with an excellent and exciting product on the field."
The Tampa Bay Storm will kickoff the 2011 season on Friday, March 11, 2011 against the New Orleans VooDoo in New Orleans.
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