AFL training camps begin this week
January 29, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
NEW YORK - The Mitsubishi Motors Drive to ArenaBowl XXII New Orleans begins in five days as the defending ArenaBowl XXI Champion San Jose SaberCats and two-time (2006, 2007) Eastern Division Champion Dallas Desperados become the first teams to open training camp on Saturday, February 2.
San Jose, coming off their third ArenaBowl Championship in six seasons, look to become the first team since the 1995-96 Tampa Bay Storm to win consecutive ArenaBowl titles.
"It's difficult to win football games at any level, but we are ready for the challenge (of trying to repeat)," remarks head coach DARREN ARBET. "There hasn't been a repeat champion in this league in a number of years and we are anxious to get the season going. We've been in this position before but this might be the time we get it done."
The Desperados, coming off a League-best 15-1 regular-season, look to start strong, having won 28 of its last 32 regular-season games.
"We are excited to get the season going because we have something to prove," explains head coach WILL MCCLAY. "We have a large portion of the team that went 15-1 back and we feel we have upgraded our roster with offseason moves. This season will give us another shot at our goal of being ArenaBowl champions. Hopefully, the third time will be the charm."
Below are each team's training camp starting dates:
AFL TRAINING CAMP DATES
TEAM TRAINING CAMP START DATE Arizona Rattlers 2/6
Chicago Rush 2/4
Cleveland Gladiators 2/5
Colorado Crush 2/6
Columbus Destroyers 2/8
Dallas Desperados 2/2
Georgia Force 2/10
Grand Rapids Rampage 2/3
Kansas City Brigade 2/3
Los Angeles Avengers 2/4
New Orleans VooDoo 2/4
New York Dragons 2/3
Orlando Predators 2/8
Philadelphia Soul 2/9
San Jose SaberCats 2/2
Tampa Bay Storm 2/11
Utah Blaze 2/7
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 29, 2008
- Soul Sign Larry Kendrick - Philadelphia Soul
- SaberCats game tickets on sale February 1 - San Jose SaberCats
- Goddesses Dance Team Announced - Cleveland Gladiators
- Chicago Rush Individual Game Tickets On Sale Saturday - Chicago Rush
- AFL training camps begin this week - AFL I
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