Garff Enterprises Bringing Professional Football Team to Salt Lake City
April 21, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
Salt Lake City, UT â April 21, 2005 â The Ken Garff Automotive Group will officially announce its purchase of an Arena Football League (AFL) franchise at a press conference on April 22nd, 2005. The new Utah franchise will join existing AFL teams such as the Colorado Crush, the Georgia Force and the Philadelphia Soul. The team will be coached by former Arizona Rattlers coach Danny White and will begin play in the 2006 season.
"We're thrilled to have Danny and are confident that this is the first critical step in bringing a championship caliber professional football team to Utah," said Jason Jones, President of the Utah AFL Franchise. "Coach White was our first and only choice. Not only is he a legendary football player, but he's also one of the most successful coaches in the 19-year history of the AFL."
Named the Arena Football League Coach of the Year in 1993, White's 141 wins rank him second all time. He has also been to the Arena Bowl five times and has won the Championship twice. With 20 postseason victories, he ranks second only to Tampa Bay's Tim Marcum. In 2002 White was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame.
Ken Garff Enterprises COO and President John Garff said, "Our family is pleased to bring professional football to Utah and we are confident that we have the structure in place to build a franchise that this great state can be proud to support. One of the most important community initiatives for Garff Enterprises is that we provide and promote high-quality fun and affordable entertainment for Utahans of all ages to enjoy."
Garff Enterprises will hold a press conference to introduce the new AFL franchise on April 22nd 2005 at 11:00 am at Marriott City Center hotel. The press conference will be held in the Olympus Ballroom, located 220 South State Street in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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About the Arena Football League
Recognized as one of the most affordable and fan-friendly professional sports leagues, the AFL began its 19th season in February 2005. The AFL is currently comprised of 17 franchises whose ownership ranges from John Elway (Colorado) and Jon Bon Jovi (Philadelphia) to Jerry Jones (Dallas) and Arthur Blank (Georgia). The AFL's television partners include NBC, FOX Sports Net, and other regional cable providers.
Played on an indoor surface 85 feet wide and 50 yards long, Arena Football provides full-throttle entertainment because of the speed, quickness and high-scoring nature of the game. Arena Football provides a truly unique fan experience unparalleled by any other professional sport. For example, when a ball is thrown into the seats surrounding the field, the "lucky" fan who catches the ball keeps it. Additionally, fans who desire to meet the players or seek autographs are invited on to the field following the game. Relying on the strength of its Mission Statement and Fans' Bill of Rights, the AFL is America's fastest growing sport.
About the Ken Garff Automotive Group
Ken Garff Automotive Group is based in Salt Lake City, with 45 stores and 11 locations throughout Utah. In addition to new car franchises, the organization includes six collision repair centers and three used car stores. A successful business for 72 years, Ken Garff Automotive Group is dedicated to the values of quality, customer service, honesty and integrity. The Ken Garff Automotive Group sells and services Jaguar, Volvo, Mercedes, Porsche, Ford, Volkswagen, Audi, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Hyundai, Saab, GMC, Pontiac, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Mazda, Lincoln, Mercury, Buick and Honda.
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