Blitz Break Arena Football Record

May 20, 2003 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


(Bakersfield, CA) – The Bakersfield Blitz set not only an arenafootball2 record but also an Arena Football League record last Saturday at the Centennial Garden. During the battle between the Blitz and the Arkansas Twisters, both teams combined to throw three-dozen footballs into the stands where 36 unsuspecting fans enthusiastically exhibited their skills at catching footballs. The lost balls set a record for most balls forfeited during any Arena Football game.

"This is what the Arena Football fan experience is all about," said arenafootball2 Executive Director Jay Marcus. "This is part of the Arena Football game. The fans are just as much a part of the game as are the players. It's a unique record, but then again we have a unique game here."

Who says the Blitz don't give back to the fans. The Wilson Ironman football, used in all Blitz games retail at 99.99. This game the team managed to throw out 3,600 dollars worth of footballs to its onlookers. Fans that purchased twelve-dollar end zone seats were able to walk away with much more than a ticket stub.

"It's nice gift for a fan," said Wilson marketing/promotions assistant Brad Augustine. "I have been to a few Arena Football games and have thoroughly enjoyed myself. We at the Wilson Company have thoroughly enjoyed our partnership with the Arena Football League and hope to continue the partnership in the future.

During the post-game autograph session held on the field after every game, the fans that were lucky enough to catch the balls were able to meet the players from both teams and have them autograph their new footballs.

"It's a great experience for the fans and the players," said Blitz General Manager Brad Hoffman. "It's like the saying goes, you can keep the footballs, but you have to give back the players. It's is an honor and enjoyment to set a record in both the af2 and the Arena Football League."

The Blitz will have their next home contest May 31st at the Centennial Garden. Bakersfield will take on their California rival the San Diego Riptide. Kickoff is slated for 7 pm. Tickets are available now and can be purchased at the Centennial Garden Box Office, through Ticketmaster, or by calling the Blitz office at 634-9132.



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