Chicago Rush 2004 Schedule Announced
October 28, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
October 28, 2003 â The Chicago Rush will open its 2004 Arena Football League season at home against Central Division-rival Grand Rapids on Sunday, February 8, the AFL announced today. Kickoff for the season opener at Allstate Arena is set for 2 p.m.
The 2004 schedule is highlighted by a Week 5 trip to play Jon Bon Jovi's expansion Philadelphia Soul as well as games against the last two ArenaBowl champions â a Week 10 home game against the defending champion Tampa Bay Storm and a Week 11 trip to San Jose to battle the 2002 champion SaberCats.
In addition, Chicago's schedule in the newly realigned Central Division features home-and-home games with Detroit, Grand Rapids, Indiana and the newest member of the division, John Elway's Colorado Crush.
"We can't wait to get started," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "We have a really tough stretch in the middle of the season where we play the last two AFL champions back-to-back, so we cannot afford to get off to a slow start like we did last season.
The 2004 season introduces three new expansion teams to the AFL â the Austin Wranglers, New Orleans Voodoo and Philadelphia Soul â bringing the total number of teams to 19. To compensate for an odd number of teams, the regular season has been extended to 17 weeks, with each team receiving one bye week. In addition, the 2004 playoffs have been reduced from four rounds to three, with only eight teams qualifying for the postseason instead of 12.
The regular season concludes Sunday, May 30, and the playoffs will begin the weekend of June 5-6. ArenaBowl XVIII is slated for Sunday, June 27.
The Rush will open training camp for the 2004 season in January. Fans needing information about 2004 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 2004 SCHEDULE
Day Date Opponent Time Site
Sunday February 8 Grand Rapids 2 p.m. Allstate Arena
Saturday February 14 @ New York 2 p.m. Nassau Coliseum
Sunday February 22 Colorado 2 p.m. Allstate Arena
Sunday February 29 @ Indiana 2 p.m. Conseco Fieldhouse
Sunday March 7 @ Philadelphia 11 a.m. Wachovia Center
Sunday March 14 Bye
Sunday March 21 Orlando 11 a.m. Allstate Arena
Sunday March 28 Detroit 2 p.m. Allstate Arena
Sunday April 4 @ Las Vegas 5 p.m. Thomas & Mack Center
Sunday April 11 Tampa Bay 2 p.m. Allstate Arena
Friday April 16 @ San Jose 9:30 p.m. HP Pavilion at San Jose
Sunday April 25 Los Angeles 2 p.m. Allstate Arena
Sunday May 2 @ Detroit 2 p.m. The Palace
Saturday May 8 @ Grand Rapids 6:30 p.m. Van Andel Arena
Sunday May 16 Dallas 2 p.m. Allstate Arena
Sunday May 23 Indiana 2 p.m. Allstate Arena
Sunday May 30 @ Colorado 3 p.m. Pepsi Center
All times central
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 28, 2003
- Philadelphia Soul Sign First Two Free Agents - Philadelphia Soul
- New Markets Highlight Schedule - AFL I
- Los Angeles Avengers announce 2004 schedule - Los Angeles Avengers
- Rampage Release 2004 Schedule - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Crush Reveal 2004 Schedule - Colorado Crush
- Fury Announce 2004 Schedule - Detroit Fury
- Philadelphia Soul Releases Inaugural Schedule - Philadelphia Soul
- AFL Releases 2004 Schedule - AFL I
- Chicago Rush 2004 Schedule Announced - Chicago Rush
- SaberCats Announce 2004 Schedule - San Jose SaberCats
- Desperados Announce 2004 Schedule - Dallas Desperados
- Firebirds Announce 2004 Schedule - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
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