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Brigade Set To Land At Sprint Center For 2008 Season

May 24, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Kansas City Brigade News Release


KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Brigade, Kansas City's two-year old Arena Football League team, announced today in a press conference at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center that an agreement has been reached to move home games to Sprint Center for the 2008 season. Scheduled to open in October 2007, Sprint Center will usher in a new era of sports and entertainment in Kansas City.

"This is a big deal for the Brigade's future in Kansas City," said Neil Smith, co-owner of the team. "It has been our goal from the beginning to play in Sprint Center and now it's a reality. The team and our fans are thrilled about partnering with AEG in elevating the profile of Arena Football and the Brigade."

The original Brigade ownership, of which Smith was a part, applied for expansion in 2005. AFL Board of Directors approved the application with the expectation that the team would eventually move to Sprint Center. As with virtually all AFL teams, the league has been involved as a consultant in Brigade arena negotiations.

Sprint Center, the newest, state-of-the-art arena in the AFL, will give the Brigade a distinct home field advantage. Fans, sponsors and opponents will enjoy an Arena Football experience unmatched in the league. Sprint Center technology and amenities will allow the Brigade to reinvent its game day production, specifically interaction and outreach.

"Kemper Arena has served the Brigade and the city well during the past two seasons," Smith said. "It's one of the most historic buildings in the nation and holds a lot Brigade memories. But now we have an opportunity to upgrade the game day experience for our fans and sponsors."

AFL floor configuration will be finalized in fall 2007. Prices for season tickets and single-game seats have been set. The Brigade will keep an upper-level $9 ticket in order to maintain the AFL's mandate of creating an experience within reach of families. Current and new season-ticket holders will have the opportunity to select their seats in person at Sprint Center in fall 2007.

Brigade fans will enjoy the nearby amenities of the Power and Light District. Thousands of parking spaces are within walking distance of Sprint Center. The team is currently identifying suitable space for tailgating options.

"This is just more exciting news for our fans as they enjoy a breakout season by the team," Smith said. "The Brigade is playoff caliber right now and headed nowhere but up. Playing in Sprint Center next season will only help us grow as a franchise."

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