Local Retired Veteran Bill Downing Lends Support to the Storm
May 23, 2016 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release
Retired Veteran Bill Downing Wearing Tampa Bay Storm Gorilla Suit
(Tampa Bay Storm)
TAMPA BAY - Military Appreciation Night, on Monday night, when the Storm host the Cleveland Gladiators at 8 p.m., will be particularly special to Bill Downing, who says he is the Tampa Bay Storm's "number one fan." Downing, a disabled veteran and local of the area, refers to the team as his family.
If the Storm is practicing, he's at the field watching. Downing goes to every game and not just as your everyday fan, but as a Storm gorilla suited up with Storm boxing gloves, a Storm helmet, and Storm glasses.
"This is my outlet," Downing says. "This team here, if I didn't have them, I probably wouldn't even leave my house."
Downing paints as a way to relieve his stress and do nice things for the team. He painted name plates for the entire team with their name, number, and a Storm logo on it. He also made a sign titled, "Champions Play Here" that the team now has in its locker room. For the game Monday night, he has made a STORM belt and statue for the MVP of the game to give as a trophy from him.
All it took was one arena game versus the Soul and he was ready to be a part of this team in every way he could. Now, the guys are like brothers to him. He loves them all.
"I'll be here forever," he says, while looking at his Tampa Bay Storm tattoo. "I'm a die hard, so I'm not going anywhere."
Monday night is the Storm's seventh Annual Seats for Service Program. The Storm will donate tickets bought to service members and their families, from MacDill Air Force Base and the local Coast Guard chapters.
"Military Appreciation Night is an incredible thing to do for our veterans," Downing says. "I think it's awesome that they recognize people from present and past who have served for our country."
The Storm looks to win its first game of the season against the Cleveland Gladiators on Monday night. Bill has flown to Alaska for the weekend to watch his daughter graduate from high school, but don't worry, he'll be following along on ESPN3.
The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm is entering its 25th season in Tampa Bay. For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Storm ticket office at 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. For group sales fans can contact 813.301.6900. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.
Images from this story
 Retired Veteran Bill Downing Wearing Tampa Bay Storm Gorilla Suit |
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from May 23, 2016
- Storm Edged In Overtime By Cleveland Gladiators, 70-63 - Tampa Bay Storm
- Sharks Add Defensive Lineman Geneath Moffett - Jacksonville Sharks
- Local Retired Veteran Bill Downing Lends Support to the Storm - Tampa Bay Storm
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.
Other Recent Tampa Bay Storm Stories
- Tampa Bay Storm to Suspend Operations, Effective Immediately
- 2018 TAMPA BAY Storm Cheerleader PREP CLASS
- ALBANY AFL NAMES LES MOSS AS ASSISTANT HEAD COACH
- ALBANY AFL ANNOUNCES OPEN HOUSE EVENT AT TIMES UNION CENTER
- AFL Albany AFL Names Chris Thompson Director of Football
