Hard-hitting football, fan participation, and local support driving team popularity
May 28, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Tri-Cities Fever News Release
KENNEWICK, Washington, May 28, 2008 - The Tri-Cities Fever is confident at the end of the first half of the 2008 season marking the team's 4th year in the Tri-Cities area. The Fever are 3-5 on the season with losing multiple close games in one of the toughest divisions in the af2.
During the first half of the 2008 season attendance for home games on Gesa Field at The Toyota Center have averaged 4,000 strong. All 4 home games have come down to the 4th quarter and in 2 instances, the very last play of the game. Adding to the excitement during the games are dance performances by the Fever dance team and other dance schools throughout the area, throw outs that include t-shirts, micro mini pink ribbon footballs and player trading cards, as well as plenty of fan participation on the field during game and quarter breaks.
"We believe that it's important to be involved in the community," said Fever General Manager, Randy Schillinger, "Our goal is to provide our fans with great football and exciting entertainment for the entire family. I believe that we've shown in the first half of the season that we're dedicated to doing that."
During our home game on May 3, 2008, the Tri-Cities Fever played the Central Valley Coyotes and trailed the entire game. After a missed field goal by the Coyotes and under a minute left to play down by 6, newly recruited Fever QB Josh Kellett began to lead his team down the field. On a 4th down play with 0.9 seconds left on the game clock, the Fever had one last shot to get into the endzone. Kellett rolled out left under intense pressure by the Coyotes front line, and released the ball through the air to a well covered Phil Goodman, who then made an athletic move to spin past his defender at the 2-yard line and crossing the goal line and tying the game. Kicker Kyle Hooper then tacked on the extra point to secure the victory for the Fever 49-48.
The team boasts their largest base of corporate partners ever accumulated during their 4 year tenure. "The Fever are a part of the Tri-Cities community and having local ownership and business involvement is critical to ensuring that the team reflects the values and flavor of the Tri-Cities," said Doug MacGregor, Texas af2 Holdings LLC President, "Our goal continues to be one of providing a team that the entire community can be proud of, both on and off the field"
The Fever have 4 home games remaining in their regular season with the next against the Boise Burn on May 31, 2008. On June 14, 2008, the Fever will host a Military Appreciation Night against the Spokane Shock, in which the Tri-Cities players will wear special addition jerseys that will be auctioned off. All proceeds of the auction will go to Camp Patriot, an organization that assists disabled veterans. Tickets start at just $15 and are available by calling Ticketmaster at 509-735-0500 or at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available at the Toyota Center Box Office.
• Discuss this story on the arenafootball2 message board...
arenafootball2 Stories from May 28, 2008
- Hard-hitting football, fan participation, and local support driving team popularity - Tri-Cities Fever
- Talons top coaches poll for tenth straight week - Spokane Shock
- This Week With the Boise Burn: 5/28/08 - Boise Burn
- Sharks Trade Villanueva to Green Bay - Corpus Christi Sharks
- Announcement from Yard Dawgz - Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz
- Amarillo Dusters Enter Final Stretch of Exciting Season - Amarillo Venom
- Williams Enjoys Record Week As Losing Streak Hits Four Games - Albany Firebirds
- Schoonover Earns Cutters af2 Catch of the Week - Arkansas Diamonds
- Vipers Enjoy First Half Success - Alabama Vipers
- Florida Firecats Remain Fourth in Week Ten Coaches Poll - Florida Firecats
- Talons Top Coaches Poll for 10th Straight Week - af2
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.
