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Grand Rapids Hits the Road Again

April 2, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Rampage could have easily adopted Willie Nelson's popular tune, "On the Road Again," as a theme for the team's mid-season stretch. Since the end of February, Grand Rapids (6-3) has played only once in front of its home crowd. The team's tough stretch continues this Saturday as the Rampage return to the road to face the Indiana Firebirds (4-5) at Conseco Fieldhouse.

The game, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. (EST), marks the seventh overall meeting between these two franchises (series tied, 3-3 - playoff games included). During the Rampage's championship run in 2001, Grand Rapids defeated the Firebirds three straight times. Last season, Indiana returned the favor by defeating the Rampage in two regular season contests, including a dominating 56-42 victory in Indianapolis on June 29.

Live radio coverage of Saturday's contest begins at 7:10 p.m. on WBBL 1340 AM. Veteran broadcasters Joe Parson and Tom Sullivan will handle the call of the game.

The 2003 season marks the historic debut of the AFL on NBC. NBC Sports will televise up to 70 games, including all playoff games and ArenaBowl XVII on June 22. The network's coverage this week includes: San Jose at Dallas, Georgia at Tampa Bay and Orlando at Arizona.

Rampage/Firebirds Quick Facts:

* After playing four of its last five games on the road, Grand Rapids finishes the season playing four of its last six games at the friendly confines of Van Andel Arena.

* Grand Rapids' roster features two former Firebirds: DS Lamar Grant (2001) and FB/LB Umar Muhammad (2000-2002).

* Grand Rapids boasts an impressive 20-20 all-time regular season road record, which includes the team's 3-2 road start this season.

* In four regular season games against the Rampage, Firebirds offensive specialist Eddie Brown has accumulated 38 catches for 669 yards and 11 touchdowns.

* If the playoffs were to start today, the Rampage (#6) would host the Firebirds (#11) in the first round of the 2003 AFL Playoffs.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 2, 2003


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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