Omaha Fan Fest Attracts 1,600 Fans
Published on July 24, 2010 under United Football League (UFL 1)
Omaha Nighthawks News Release
OMAHA, NE - Saturday, July 24 - The people of Omaha got their first taste of Nighthawks football as the UFL expansion team's Mini Camp kicked off at Papillion High School.
Practice began at 8am sharp and anxious fans were already camped out in the stands by the time the team arrived. By the official start of the Nighthawks Fan Fest at 9am, the field was a sea of fans in Nighthawks t-shirts, hats, visors, and even a Nighthawks dress or two. Police reported that approximately 1,600 fans attended the Fan Fest.
People mingled between the bleachers and the Fan Fest zone on the south side of the field that staged the bounce houses, face painting, obstacles courses and merchandise vendors. Meanwhile, the cheer and dance team performed routines and chatted and took pictures with the crowd.
An aspiring young cheerleader, Madison, aged 7, said that her favorite part of the day was meeting the cheerleaders. Her mother chimed in: "her father bought us season tickets and she is very excited to go to her very first professional football game!"
Fans of all ages were excited to finally see professional football action in Omaha. Head Coach Jeff Jagodzinski's practice began with broken down individual drills. After a period of small group training, the team came together for full field play.
Quarterback D.J Shockley looked sharp and made good connections with his wide receivers, in particular former NY Sentinel and 2009 UFL MVP nominee Craphonso Thorpe. Many former Cornhuskers took the field for the Nighthawks, including DE Jay Moore, RB Ken Wilson, WR Keith Eloi, RB Tierre Green, and the fan favorite RB Ahman Green.
Hundreds of fans lined up for autographs once the team concluded practice and were elated when the DJ announced that fans could talk to the players on the field. Little boys and girls ran from player to player with shirts and posters to sign and smiled for picture after picture.
"They look really good," said Mike and Jenni from Omaha. "We have our season tickets already and we can't wait for the season. Today is a lot of fun, we get to see great players and there is so much involvement with the fans, we are already so much a part of this team."
Following autographs, fans were given free Godfather's Pizza and were entertained by music and clowns in referee uniforms.
The Nighthawks conclude minicamp on Sunday, July 25. Next up for the team will be training camp beginning August 18.
United Football League Stories from July 24, 2010
- Omaha Fan Fest Attracts 1,600 Fans - Omaha Nighthawks
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