Mohegan Wolves Relocate to Manchester
October 29, 2003 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Manchester Wolves News Release
MANCHESTER, N.H. [OCT.29.2003 9:36 AM] -- The arenafootball2 league office today approved the relocation of the Mohegan Wolves team to the city of Manchester, New Hampshire. The granite state's new professional football team was unveiled at a press conference held Wednesday afternoon at the Verizon Wireless Arena. The MANCHESTER WOLVES will begin play at the Verizon Wireless Arena in April of 2004.
The Wolves move to Manchester was made possible through the efforts of a group of local businessmen and Dr. Eric Margenau, a well-known and well-respected operator of professional sports franchises. The team of local investors is led by long-time area resident and former New England Patriot and Chicago Bear, Steve Schubert.
"Arena Football is officially here in Manchester, and the Wolves organization is looking forward to partnering up with a first-class arena (Verizon Wireless Arena) and arena management group (SMG)," Margenau said. "We can't wait to show off our exciting game to the people of New Hampshire. I believe strongly that the great sports fans throughout the region that are so supportive of the Monarchs and the area's college sports teams will love what the Wolves have to offer as well."
Verizon Wireless Arena General Manager Tim Bechert was equally optimistic when commenting on the arena's newest partner.
"On behalf of SMG, we are thrilled with the opportunity of presenting yet another exciting form of sports and entertainment at the Verizon Wireless Arena, continuing our efforts to provide quality family entertainment for the residents of Manchester and the state of New Hampshire," said Bechert.
Prior to the relocation, the Wolves played two seasons at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. This past season the team had its most successful campaign ever under the direction of AFL veteran coach Mark Stoute. Spearheaded by Stoute's presence and a revamped roster, the 2003 Wolves finished the regular season at 10-6 and won a spot in the postseason for the first time in franchise history. Stoute was coveted by many teams in the AFL based on his success with the Wolves and eventually landed a position as the Associate Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel for the Indiana Firebirds. Two other members of the coaching staff also secured jobs in the AFL during the offseason, John Zinser (Philadelphia Soul) and Chris Bauer (Indiana Firebirds). A number of Wolves players will also likely be signed to AFL squads over the coming weeks.
"I'm ecstatic about finally getting an Arena Football team here in Manchester," Schubert said. "We know we'll have great support from local leaders and area businesses. And for football fans throughout the state, they can expect to see the same great Arena Football action they see on Sundays on NBC in the winter right here in their own backyard this spring."
Team General Manager Angelo Mazzella, who oversaw the organization last year in Connecticut, will run the daily business operations of the team.
"My family and I are excited about making New Hampshire our home," Mazzella said. "After visiting a number of times in recent weeks, we have fallen in love with the area. I'm also looking forward to the task of launching the Wolves in Manchester and making the team an active participant in the local community."
The team's corporate headquarters will be located in downtown Manchester at 33 South Commercial Street.
The Wolves are also planning a fan fest for the middle of November where families and businesses will be able to come out and get their first glimpse of what Arena Football is all about. This event will also kick off the team's season ticket sales drive, and fans will get the opportunity to pick out the best seats available for the Wolves' electrifying first season of af2 action in Manchester.
In four short seasons af2 has doubled in size from 15 teams to nearly 30. af2 promotes a fan friendly attitude with autograph sessions on the field for the home team after each game. af2 and the AFL strictly adhere to a Fans Bill of Rights, which the Wolves ownership group believes is unique to any major sport. The Fans Bill of Rights includes: every fan is entitled to a wholesome environment for guests and family members, free of violence, profane gestures and language or rude and invasive behavior that could in any way interfere with a first-class entertainment experience; every fan demands that we maintain absolute respect for the game of Arena Football and maintain the integrity of the finest of fair competition at all times; every fan deserves our very best effort on a consistent basis, on every play on the field, every action in the stands, every call to our office, and every involvement in our community.
For more information on the Manchester Wolves, New Hampshire's exciting new Arena Football team, fans can log on to the team's official website, www.manchesterwolves.com.
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