Chicago Rush 2003 Schedule Announced
October 10, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
October 10, 2002 â The Chicago Rush will begin the defense of its Central Division crown on Sunday, February 2, when it opens its 2003 Arena Football League season at home against the Orlando Predators, the AFL announced today. Kickoff for the season opener at Allstate Arena is scheduled for 2 p.m.
The AFL season, which now kicks off in February as part of the new national television agreement with NBC, has increased to 16 regular season games for the first time in the league's 17-year history. The playoffs will begin May 25 and ArenaBowl XVII is scheduled for Sunday, June 22.
In addition, Rush home games now will be played on Sunday afternoons, instead of Saturday evenings.
Chicago's schedule, which features 12 games against 2002 playoff teams, is highlighted by a Week 6 home game against the defending champion San Jose SaberCats, a Week 11 road trip to Denver to play John Elway's Colorado Crush and home-and-home games with Central Division opponents Indiana, Grand Rapids and Dallas.
"I think, after looking at it closely, we might have the toughest schedule in the league," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "It will be very competitive from our opener against Orlando through the season finale against Indiana. In addition, we have to play both Arizona and San Jose â the two teams that matched up in last year's championship game."
The Rush finished its 2002 season with a 10-6 overall record and advanced to the AFL semifinals. Training camp for the 2003 season will open in January with the regular season scheduled to begin the first weekend in February. Fans needing information about 2003 Rush season tickets can call the Rush at (877) Rush-Tix (787-4849) or visit the team's Web site, www.chicagorush.com.
CHICAGO RUSH 2003 SCHEDULE
Day Date Opponent Time Site
Sunday February 2 Orlando 2 p.m. Allstate Arena
Sunday February 9 @ Dallas 2 p.m. American Airlines Center
Sunday February 16 @ Indiana 2 p.m. Conseco Fieldhouse
Sunday February 23 Los Angeles 2 p.m. Allstate Arena
Saturday March 1 @ Buffalo 6 p.m. HSBC Arena
Sunday March 9 San Jose 5 p.m. Allstate Arena
Friday March 14 @ New Jersey 6:30 p.m. Continental Airlines Arena
Sunday March 23 New York 11 a.m. Allstate Arena
Saturday March 29 @ Grand Rapids 6:30 p.m. Van Andel Arena
Friday April 4 @ Detroit 10:30 a.m.The Palace
Sunday April 13 @ Colorado 2 p.m. Pepsi Center
Sunday April 20 Dallas 2 p.m. Allstate Arena
Sunday April 27 Grand Rapids 2 p.m. Allstate Arena
Sunday May 4 @ Carolina 2 p.m. Charlotte Coliseum
Sunday May 11 Arizona 2 p.m. Allstate Arena
Sunday May 18 Indiana 2 p.m. Allstate Arena
All times central
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 10, 2002
- SaberCats Release 2003 Schedule - San Jose SaberCats
- Desperados Announce 2003 Schedule - Dallas Desperados
- Los Angeles Avengers Announce 2003 Schedule - Los Angeles Avengers
- Up to 70 Games to Air on NBC - AFL I
- Chicago Rush 2003 Schedule Announced - Chicago Rush
- Detroit Fury Releases 2003 Schedule - Detroit Fury
- Firebirds Release 16-Game Schedule - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Rampage Release 2003 Schedule - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Buffalo Destroyers 2003 Schedule Released - Buffalo Destroyers
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