Grand Rapids to Host New York in ALLTEL Kickoff Classic

Published on February 10, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - After opening the season with back-to-back road victories for the first time in team history, the Grand Rapids Rampage (2-0) of the Arena Football League will finally open its 2003 home schedule against the New York Dragons (0-2) in the ALLTEL Kickoff Classic on Sunday, February 16 at Van Andel Arena.

The ALLTEL Kickoff Classic, which kicks off at 3 p.m., will be the first of five Rampage home games and seven total games on NBC Sports this season.

In addition to the game, the Rampage are offering up free giveaways and numerous promotions to the expected sell out crowd. Before the game, ALLTEL's Tailgates and Touchdowns Tour will be a part of the pre-game festivities. As fans enter the arena, they will receive a free Rampage 2003 schedule magnet and a free Rampage #9 T-shirt, which is symbolic of the fans being the "ninth man." All fans are advised to wear their #9 white T-shirt upon entering Van Andel Arena in order to create a "White-Out" effect for national television.

Two tributes and an exciting halftime act should help intensify the Rampage game experience. Just before kickoff, the Rampage will honor the great fans of West Michigan by retiring the #9 jersey, symbolic of the fans being the "ninth-man." Grand Rapids will also pay tribute to the 2002 Division II National Champion Grand Valley State University football team, who will be in attendance, during the game. New to Rampage games this season will be the addition of halftime acts. This Sunday, Grand Rapids welcomes the Giant Bicycle Stunt Team. This high-flying stunt show features some of the best BMX riders in the world. They have taken their extreme ramp jumping shows to some of the top sporting events in the country, including Monday Night Football and the NBA Finals.

To wrap up the total AFL game experience, the Rampage will once again hold postgame autograph sessions at every home game. Fans are welcome to come down on the field to meet players and get free autographs immediately following each home game.

As of Monday, less than 400 tickets remain for Sunday's home opener. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Rampage office at (616) 559-1871 or Tickets PLUS at (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737. Tickets are also available at The Zone, located on the west side of Van Andel Arena, all West Michigan Meijer locations, and on-line at www.ticketsplus.net and the Rampage Web site.

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: New York vs. Grand Rapids, Los Angeles vs. Colorado, San Jose vs. Georgia, Chicago vs. Indiana, and Dallas vs. Orlando. Grand Rapids will be featured on NBC six more times in 2003, including next Sunday's contest at Van Andel Arena against the Tampa Bay Storm.

Pre-Game Festivities: ALLTEL's Tailgates and Touchdowns Tour - ALLTEL will bring a mobile showcase of its wireless services as a part of the pre-game festivities. The tour, which will be located in front of Van Andel Arena, is equipped with wireless phones for visitors to test and entertainment including trivia contests and other activities.

Giveaways: Rampage magnetic schedules and #9 T-shirts, symbolic of all the fans being the "ninth-man." All fans are advised to wear their #9 white T-shirt upon entering Van Andel Arena in order to create a "White-Out" effect for national television.

Promotions: Tribute to the fans - The Rampage will honor the fans before the game by retiring #9 jersey. Tribute to the Grand Valley State University Football Team - The Rampage will also honor the 2002 Division II National Champion Grand Valley State football team during the game.

Halftime Act: Giant Bicycle Stunt Team - This high-flying stunt show features some of the best BMX riders in the world. They have taken their extreme ramp jumping shows to some of the top sporting events in the country, including Monday Night Football and the NBA Finals.

Autograph Session: Immediately following the game, the Rampage will hold a postgame autograph session. All fans are welcome to come down on the field to meet the players and get free autographs.

Rampage/Dragons Quick Facts:

* This will be only the second meeting between these two teams. Grand Rapids leads the series 1-0 after defeating the Dragons, 54-45, last season in New York.

* The Dragons moved to New York from Des Moines, Iowa, where the franchise was known as the Iowa Barnstormers. From 1998 to 2000, the Rampage and Barnstormers met six times, with both teams winning three home contests.

* Rampage head coach Michael Trigg is in his tenth season (67-64 overall), while Dragons head coach John Gregory is in his ninth season (72-52 overall).

* Grand Rapids boasts a 19-16 all-time regular season record at Van Andel Arena.

* Current Rampage lineman Eric Gohlstin and defensive specialist Shea Showers played the last five seasons for the Dragons/Barnstormers. * New York's roster includes former Michigan State cornerback Donvetis Franklin and Eastern Michigan quarterback Walter Church.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 10, 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.

OurSports Central