Firebirds Make Radio Deals
December 19, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - During a press conference held this afternoon at the Adams Mark Hotel in downtown Indianapolis, the Indiana Firebirds of the Arena Football League announced a new two-year partnership with Pilgrim Communications', ESPN Radio (950 AM) and WPZZ (95.9 FM) "The Point".
The deal calls for ESPN 950 AM and WPZZ 95.9 FM to broadcast all Firebirds regular season games and post-season games through the 2004 season. The new partnership includes expanded pre-game and post-game shows. In addition to being simulcast on both stations, fans will also have an opportunity to hear Firebirds games on the Internet at www.wpzz.com as all games will be cast on the web.
"The Firebirds are very excited to forge a relationship with ESPN 950 AM and Pilgrim Communications," said Firebirds general manager Joe Hennessy. "We feel that they are an aggressive and exciting new radio entity in the market place. They have accomplished a lot in a short period of time and have already made an impact in the community."
Ari Wolfe, voice of the Birds' since the 1998 season, returns for his sixth season as the Firebirds play-by-play announcer. In addition to his radio work with the Firebirds, Wolfe has also served as the Firebirds TV play-by-play announcer for games on Fox Sports Net and the WB4 and will continue doing so this season on UPN Indiana. In 2002, Wolfe served as a television play-by-play announcer for Fox Sports coverage of NFL Europe. During the basketball season, Wolfe has filled in as a play-by-play announcer for Indiana University Men's Basketball on the Indiana Radio Network.
Wolfe will be joined in the booth by Rob Blackman, who will serve as the color analyst for the Firebirds' radio broadcasts. This will be Blackman's third season with the Birds organization and second as color analyst. In 1999, Blackman was the Play by Play voice of the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football League. Rob's play by play experience dates back to 1995 where he was the voice of Wabash College from 1995-1998.
Coinciding with the action on the field, ESPN Radio will broadcast "Birds Blitz", a weekly hour-long Firebirds "variety show" hosted by Wolfe and Hennessy. The show will give Firebirds' fans a chance to ask questions or voice their opinion on a variety of topics. Day and time for the show will be determined at a later date.
In addition to the Birds Blitz, fans will get a chance to "hear it first" from Firebirds' Head Coach Mike Dailey through 30-second radio vignettes called the "Dailey Dose" to be aired on ESPN Radio 950 AM. These morning and afternoon drive-time segments will include exclusive quotes and reveal candid moments from Coach Dailey on a weekly basis.
"With the start of ESPN radio as a full-time affiliate in Indianapolis on 950 AM and the continuing growth and exposure of the Arena Football League, we are very excited to partner with the Firebirds to provide their broadcast," said Pilgrim Communications COO/VP, Scott Taylor. "The excitement of Firebirds Football will fit well with the excitement that ESPN 950 AM has generated in the Indianapolis market in just a short period of time."
The 2003 season marks the historic debut of the AFL on NBC. The network will broadcast 71 games next season, including all playoff games and ArenaBowl XVII on June 22. The Firebirds kick off the 2003 regular season on Sunday, February 2nd on the road against the Detroit Fury which will air on UPN Indiana. The Birds home opener is slated for Sunday, February, 16th versus the Chicago Rush live on NBC Sports. Firebirds' season tickets for the 2003 season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling a Firebirds' ticket representative at 317.472.8080. Firebirds merchandise is also available at Home Court Gift Shop. For merchandise information, please call 317.917.2755.
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