Las Vegas and Detroit Clash for Eastern Division First Place
April 23, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
Las Vegas, NV, April 23, 2003 â One Division, two teams, four games. The battle for the AFL's Eastern Division kicks off this Sunday, April 27th at 3:00 pm PST when the first-place Las Vegas Gladiators take on the first-place Detroit Fury on "Family Night" at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
These two teams, who enter the game tied for the top spot in the Eastern Division with identical 6-6 records, will meet twice in the final four games of the regular season. Also lurking in the shadows is the New York Dragons, who have won five of their last six, after starting the season 0-6.
Las Vegas is currently seeded in the eighth spot in the Drive for ArenaBowl XVII and Detroit is seeded the tenth. The winner of the division is guaranteed a home game in the first round of the playoffs.
Detroit is led by quarterback Andy Kelly, who ranks sixth in the league in total offense and fourth in the league with 70 touchdown passes.
The Gladiators activated Coco Blalock, who had been on injured reserve since training camp, and waived OL/DL Jerry Turner. Blalock was the Gladiators' MVP in 2001 when he had 51 receptions for 768 yards and 10 touchdowns in only eight games. Blalock missed the entire 2002 season after injuring his Achilles tendon in a 2002 preseason game.
"Family Four Packs," consisting of four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and four popcorns for $48, are available for all three remaining Gladiators' home games. Also, fans can redeem their tickets from the "Bob The Builder" show at Thomas & Mack at the box office for $3 off each plaza ticket purchase. In addition, the first 50 children to join Gladius' Kids Club will receive a free Happy Meal Certificate from Ronald McDonald and McDonald's.
Often recognized as one of the nations most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League kicked off its 17th season and the first on NBC on Saturday, February 2, 2003. NBC will provide the AFL with unprecedented exposure by televising up to 70 games, including playoff contests and ArenaBowl XVII on June 22.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 23, 2003
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- Las Vegas Gladiators Game Notes - Las Vegas Gladiators
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- Carolina Cobras Game Notes - Carolina Cobras
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