Cincinnati Blaze to Compete in 2004-2005 ABA Season

Published on May 19, 2004 under American Basketball Association (ABA)
Cincinnati Monarchs News Release


Cincinnati, OH- The Cincinnati Blaze of the ABA held its initial press conference today to officially announce details on the team. Subjects that were discussed included venue, team name, ticket prices, community involvement, and league details.

Press Conference Summary

1. Venue: The ABA Cincinnati Franchise has secured the US Bank Arena located on downtown Cincinnati riverfront sports complex.

2. Team Name and Logo presented: Cincinnati BLAZE

3. Ticket Prices: $5, $10 and $15 with various promotions offered throughout season for individuals and group tickets.

4. Likely division play for team includes, Nashville, Louisville, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania just to name a few. Other teams to be named by the commissioner.

5. Game schedule consists of 36 games with 18 home games. The season is scheduled to begin on November 15 and end on March 2 with playoffs to follow.

6. We are launching a community involvement contest to choose select the team mascot. Please use email address (cincinnaitblaze@usbankarena.com), for all submissions. Participants will be entered into a drawing to win 2 season passes.

7. 1st Cincinnati Blaze tryout targeted for June 26 9 a.m – 5 p.m. at Oak Hills High School. Interested applicants can send an email to (cincinnatiblaze@usbankarena.com) , or mail a letter of interest to the arena addressed to Cincinnati Blaze, US Bank Arena / Attn: Coach Underhill @ (100 Broadway / Cincinnati, Ohio 45202) to request a registration form.

8. Introduction of Assistant Coaches: Steve Moore and Tom Thacker, both of whom have been inducted into the Greater Cincinnati Basketball Hall of Fame along with Coach Underhill.

9. Head of Corporate Sales and Marketing: We are pleased to announce that negotiations are underway with Lena B. Sandlin a Developmental Consultant.

10. Ownership: Sonseeahray Ross-Bigbee, Marlene Ditto and Culpatrice Foster

Ownership Thoughts: It gives us great pleasure to bring this team to the Cincinnati area. We have secured one of the best arenas in the league maximizing the experience and benefit to our fans and supporters. We are thrilled to be located right in the heart of Riverfront along with two other professional teams (The Bengals and Reds). This location also offers tri-state accessibility for Northern Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio fans. We bring an exciting brand of basketball to the area offering professional sports entertainment at fan friendly pricing. Our business partnership with US Bank Arena is both exciting and fulfilling. As the current exclusive tenant for the 04-05 season, we have an awesome opportunity. We see this as an opportunity to help youth and be a positive force in the Cincinnati community. The success of this team will demonstrate diversification and unification locally and nationwide. We plan to network with various entertainers and businesses nationwide to gain support and bring various events back into the area.

Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.

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American Basketball Association Stories from May 19, 2004


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