2008 Season Is "For The Love Of Football"

March 25, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Stockton Lightning News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Lightning of the arenafootball2 league announced their 2008 season is officially deemed "For The Love Of Football," selecting the season's marketing campaign with an emotional theme to celebrate the unique football experience for fans of all ages as the centerpiece in game night promotions, special events, community activities, charitable efforts, publications and the Lightning's official website, www.stocktonlightning.com.

The logo and graphics, developed by the Lightning marketing department, will interchange with different themed nights and community events this year to celebrate arena football, its rabid fan base, and the game-night experience to compliment specific themed nights hosted by the Lightning.

In 2006, the Lightning ranked third in af2 attendance with an average of 7,445 fans per home game and had an af2 league-high tying six players chosen for the All-af2 team last year. Three players with all-af2 credentials are back this season along with newcomer quarterback Chad Elliott, assigned to the Lightning in February, who has played in 76 career professional games and has completed 1,491 pass attempts for 17,066 career yards, ranking second best in af2 history for both categories.

"We really wanted our marketing campaign to emphasize the reason of not just why our fans show up, but why our players are here too," said Lightning director of marketing Marlena Aranda. "The passion and enthusiasm for the game of football itself is the number one reason why our fans say they attend Lightning games and our players say the same when the question ‘why do you play' is asked."

The year's festivities will start in grand style with the third annual Lightning "FanFest" on Sunday, March 30 (presented by 104.1 The Hawk, St. Joseph's Medical Center, The Record, Valley Brew Family Restaurant, Comcast & Port of Stockton California) from Noon to 2:00 p.m. at Stockton Arena. All fans in attendance will receive free admission while Lightning players and Shockwave Dance Team members will be on-hand for free autograph opportunities.

All fans are invited to participate in various interactive booths along Stockton Arena's "Fan Deck," while Lightning head coach Doug Murray will host a "Football 101" clinic on the Stockton Arena turf. Shortly following will be the fans' first peek at the Shockwave Dance Team.

Below is this year's lineup of home game promotional nights for the Stockton Lightning (all times PT):

Week 3 - Saturday, April 12, 2008 Boise at Stockton 7:00 p.m. - Opening Night (presented by Chase Chevrolet, Coors Light, Jackson Rancheria, Food 4 Less & 104.1The Hawk) - Lightning Schedule Poster Night (presented by St. Joseph's Medical Center & In-Shape Health Clubs)

Week 4 - Saturday, April 19, 2008 Central Valley at Stockton 7:00 p.m. - Team Photo Night (presented by Guaranty Bank, In-Shape Health Clubs, St. Joseph's Medical Center & AM 970 ESPN Radio)

Week 8 - Saturday, May 17, 2008 Amarillo at Stockton 7:00 p.m. - T-Shirt Night * (presented by Comcast, KAT Country 103 & Stockton Truss)

Week 9 - Saturday, May 24, 2008 Tri-Cities at Stockton 7:00 p.m. - Cap Night ^ (presented by Jackson Rancheria & KAT Country 103)

Week 12 - Saturday, June 14, 2008 Central Valley at Stockton 7:00 p.m. - Jersey Night # (presented by 104.1 The Hawk)

Week 13 - Saturday, June 21, 2008 Boise at Stockton 7:00 p.m. - af2 Replica Football Giveaway # (presented by KAT Country 103)

Week 16 - Saturday, July 12, 2008 Spokane at Stockton 7:00 p.m. - Back Pack Night # (presented by Metro PCS, Pepsi, The Record & 97.7/98.3 KWIN)

Week 17 - Saturday, July 19, 2008 Tri-Cities at Stockton 7:00 p.m. - Fan Appreciation Night (presented by KAT Country 103)

* Available to the first 1,000 adult fans in attendance ^ Available to the first 2,000 adult fans in attendance # Available to the first 1,000 kids (ages 12 and under) in attendance

The Lightning start the 2008 campaign beginning Friday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m., taking the road against the Tri-Cities Fever. The 2008 Lightning home opener is Saturday, April 12 against the Boise Burn, beginning at 7:00 p.m. from Stockton Arena. Listening options will be announced soon.

Season tickets and group tickets for the 2008 Lightning regular season are on sale now. For more information on season tickets, merchandise, or other information, please call the Lightning at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonlightning.com.



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