AFL Launches New Online Store
Published on April 3, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
NEW YORK â Arena Football League fans have a new, convenient way to purchase AFL merchandise through arenafootball.com's online store, "The Arena Store," which will be operated for three years by FanBuzz. Merchandise now available at "The Arena Store" includes official footballs, helmets, mini helmets, hats -- including authentic sideline hats -- t-shirts, bags, and polos.
"The partnership with FanBuzz is another step in Arena Football becoming a mainstream sports property for fans and consumers," said AFL Properties Executive Vice President GLENN HORINE. "With the support of NBC, âThe Arena Store' will become a retail destination for all AFL fans - providing the ability to purchase all AFL teams' merchandise at one outlet.
"The Arena Store" coincides with the new look of the AFL Web site, which is produced by RMG3, and is linked from arenafootball.com's front page and from links on every AFL team page. Teams are permitted to have their own shops on their own sites.
The site will highlight a "Product of the Week," and will eventually offer hard-to-get items such as personalized jerseys, sideline apparel, jackets and trinkets.
"The Arena Store" is operated by FanBuzz, who is associated with NBC Shop and has a three-year agreement with the AFL. FanBuzz's CustomFan division will serve as an AFL licensee.
"We are excited to help bring the look and feel of the Arena Football League closer to its fans throughout the country with our e-commerce capabilities." said FanBuzz President ROY SEINFELD. "Adding the AFL to our current list of high-profile clients â such as the NHL and ESPN â is a positive step for our company.
As part of the agreement, FanBuzz will produce 30-second institutionals to promote the "The Arena Store" during AFL on NBC broadcasts.
About Arena Football
Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League kicked off its 17th season and first on NBC the weekend of February 2. NBC will provide the AFL with unprecedented exposure by televising up to 70 games, including all playoff contests and ArenaBowl XVII on June 22.
About FanBuzz
Founded in 1996, FanBuzz manages private labeled commerce programs for leading sports, media and entertainment brands including ESPN and the 2002 Winter Olympics. FanBuzz is operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ValueVision Media (Nasdaq: VVTV - News), owner and operator of the nation's third largest television shopping network, ShopNBC. In 2001, FanBuzz unveiled CustomFan, the industry's first mass customization solution which allows licensed apparel to be produced on demand to the preferences of the individual consumer. FanBuzz is currently licensed to produce CustomFan products by over 100 colleges and universities and the National Hockey League. FanBuzz is also a licensee of the NHL Players' Association.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 3, 2003
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- Desperados Make Roster Moves - Dallas Desperados
- Firebirds Activate Philyaw from Injured Reserve - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- AFL Launches New Online Store - AFL I
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