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Condors Assume Control of Blitz Operations

December 10, 2003 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


Bakersfield, Calif. – Today, Bakersfield Blitz fans saw the culmination of weeks of speculation and negotiations to keep the af2 club at Centennial Garden for 2004. The Bakersfield Condors, under the business title of Flying Footballs, LLC, will assume control of the arena football team effective immediately. The announcement was made this afternoon at a press conference in the Club Room at the Garden.

Officially, the Blitz franchise that played here the last two seasons is being sold and relocated to Fresno for the 2004 season. However, the Blitz name and logo will remain in Bakersfield as an af2 expansion team owned by the league and operated by Flying Footballs. The Bakersfield Condors will serve as the front office staff of the football club in addition to their duties operating the hockey team.

The Condors organization assumes control, with a record of fan support and financial stability over its five-plus years of operation. Matthew Riley serves as the president of the club, and Chris Freshour is the team's general manager.

Af2 begins its fifth season in April 2004, with close to 30 teams and a 16-game regular season schedule to be announced shortly after the New Year. The Blitz won a National Conference Western Division Championship during their first season of operation and finished in a tie for second place last year. They qualified for the playoffs during both seasons under Head Coach James Fuller.

"Af2 experienced solid fan support in Bakersfield, and we're committed to the building and growing of the success of arena football in Bakersfield," said Riley, who will similarly serve as president of Flying Footballs. "We're going to bring the same enthusiasm, dedication and success to the football operation as we have to the Condors, and welcome the opportunity to do so."

"The community really benefits from this transition," continued Riley. "Fans and businesses who have interest in both the hockey and football teams, will benefit monetarily, due to discounts and the streamlining that will come with one operation running the two entities."

"We're happy to be able to keep arena football here in Bakersfield," said Centennial Garden General Manager Jim Foss. "We've had a longstanding relationship over the last five years with the Condors, and it seems like a natural synergy to have them take over the Blitz operations. We're looking forward to the start of the 2004 season."

"The Condors organization has been a great asset to the City of Bakersfield," said Bakersfield City Manager Alan Tandy. "Their community involvement and cooperative business spirit have been tremendous for the Garden and the entire City. We welcome them in their expanded role as operators of the Blitz. I know the season will be fun and successful!"

The Blitz averaged 5,490 fans per season during their inaugural campaign in 2002, and 4,429 fans per game during the 2003 season. The Condors, who began their sixth season at Centennial Garden in mid-October, recently welcomed the 1 millionth fan through the turnstiles in November, and have been among the league leaders in attendance since their inception in 1998. Last season, they were one of only eight teams in the ECHL to experience an increase in attendance, drawing exactly 5,600 fans per game over a 36-game home schedule.

Although the Condors staff will work in similar capacities with the football team, the organization is expanding their operation, and looking for a few additional employees, primarily in ticket sales. The hiring of additional staff in regards to corporate, season ticket and group sales and promotions will begin immediately. A $50 deposit will reserve a seat for the entire upcoming season, and are being accepted immediately, by contacting the Condors office at 324-7825. Last year's season ticket holders of the Blitz will have until January 31 to renew their seat location. Blitz merchandise will soon be available for sale at the Condors Closet retail outlet, across the street from Centennial Garden. The store phone number is 324-NETT.

The Condors are in action this weekend with a Friday night match against the Eastern Conference Charlotte Checkers at 7:00pm. Everyone in attendance will receive a Condors "Stars of the Past, Present and Future" poster, courtesy of FOX Sports 800 and the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center. On Sunday, Nickelodeon's The Wild Thornberry's will be at Sunday's game to entertain the children, appearing courtesy of Bright House Networks and KLLY 95.3. Game time is 5:00pm on Sunday.

Individual seats may be purchased through the Centennial Garden box office, which opens at 10:00am Monday through Saturday, with extended hours on game days. Tickets may also be purchased by phone through Ticketmaster at 322-2525, online at www.ticketmaster.com or at any Ticketmaster location. Fans can purchase season tickets, mini-packs and group outings by phoning the Condors office at 324-PUCK (7825), or stopping by the office in Centennial Garden next to the ticket windows.

BAKERSFIELD CONDORS/BLITZ FRONT OFFICE STAFF

Matthew Riley President
Chris Freshour General Manager
Greg May Assistant General Manager
Shannon Armstrong Account Executive
John Ayre Director of Community Relations & Development
Kevin Bartl Director of Media Relations & Broadcasting
Josh Bright Operations Assistant
Jessica Cable Office Manager
Jonathan Daillak Director of Creative Services
Justin Fahsbender Group Sales Executive
Catrina Hester Operations Assistant
Matthew Martin Director of Sales
Mike Moustakis Operations Assistant
Luke Peet Operations Assistant
Jon Reist Account Executive
Jose Rivera Director of Group Sales
Ronnie Roughton Director of Retail Operations

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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