IBL announces Aurora Cavalry
August 12, 2005 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Aurora Cavalry News Release
- Aurora Cavalry to begin 20-Game Season in March 2006 - Aurora, Colo. - The International Basketball League (IBL), along with City of Aurora officials, today announced Aurora, Colorado's first professional sports team -- the Aurora Cavalry.
The Aurora Cavalry begins its 20-game season in March 2006. The team will play 10 home games at Rangeview, Gateway and Aurora Central High Schools in Aurora. The Aurora Cavalry will host several open tryouts in November and December with hopes of signing local talent.
Team officials are hoping the basketball games will be a draw to Aurora families. Tickets are expected to cost about $8 for adults and $4 for children.
"We could not be more excited about bringing professional basketball to Aurora," said co-owner Joel Jose. "From the enthusiastic response that this team is already receiving from the Aurora community, we know that there has long been a desire for a sports event that families could attend together."
The Aurora Cavalry is part of the newly formed International Basketball League, which began its inaugural season in April of this year with 17 teams across the country. The IBL prides itself on a fast-paced brand of basketball with rules designed to keep the action quick with limited interruptions. Teams averaged 127 points per game, helping the league gain popularity across the nation. Several IBL teams averaged more than 1,500 fans per game during the inaugural season.
The International Basketball League is a springboard for professional basketball players as they attempt to gain exposure for careers in the NBA or professionally overseas. Many IBL players played college level basketball, professionally abroad, or in other professional basketball leagues in the United States.
Some of the more recognizable names that have played in the IBL are NBA legend Tim Hardaway and former NBA players Chris Mills, Keith Closs and Charles Thomas. Several IBL players have been invited to upcoming NBA training camps or have secured contracts to play professionally overseas.
IBL officials are currently touring the country with hopes of finding owners for potential expansion teams for the 2006 season. IBL Director of Operations, Tony Alvarez, is currently on a 10-city tour to scout other expansion locations in Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas and New Mexico.
"We think Aurora, Colorado is the perfect expansion location for an IBL team," said Jose. "There is a built-in fan base for the sport of basketball and we think that Aurora fans will really enjoy our fast-paced and energetic game."
The Aurora Cavalry is co-owned by Aurora business executive Dirk Speyer and Englewood Police Officer and long-time Aurora resident Joel Jose.
For more information about the Aurora Cavalry, visit their website at: www.auroracavalry.com. The IBL league website is: www.IBLhoopsonline.com
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