Patroons update
August 4, 2006 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
Albany Patroons News Release
CBA EXPANSION
The Continental Basketball Association (CBA) announced that it will be adding eight teams to the league, all of whom will begin play during 2006-2007 season.
Five of those organization-- the Florida Pit Bulls, the Indiana Alleycats, the Southern California Legends, and two other teams that have yet to be named-- are owned and operated by Trinity Sports & Entertainment Group (TESG). TESG coalesced in early 2006, when 10-year NFL quarterback Jay Fiedler, NBA great Tim Hardaway, and investment banker Demetrius Ford created the sports and entertainment holding and management company with designs to develop professional sports franchises both domestically, and globally.
One of the NBA's most popular players during the late 1990s, Hardaway also stars as a player/head coach for the Pit Bulls. Hardaway will bring a wealth of experience and star-power to a league that is already ripe with NBA talent-- the Patroons' own James Thomas was called up to the NBA's Chicago Bulls last season.
The three other squads to join the league are the Minot Skyrockets, the Butte Daredevils, and the Great Falls Explorers. All three teams are owned and operated by Apex Sportstainment, L.L.C., a group that has specialized in minor-league development for a number of years.
Entering its 61st year of operation, the newly expanded CBA will provide its fans a season that should prove to be memorable, if not historic.
PATS JOIN USBL
The Albany Patroons announced that they will play an extended season as a member of both the CBA, and the United States Basketball League (USBL). The USBL season begins in mid-April-- immediately following the CBA season--and runs through the latter parts of June.
Albany Patroons Inc. purchased the Pennsylvania Valleydawgs of the USBL; the new team will also be called the "Patroons" and will allow the Armory to extend its professional basketball season from four months to six months. Patroons owner, and CBA chairman, Ben Fernandez stated, "This is great for our local Albany fans. It gives them the opportunity to see more exciting Patroons basketball through an extended season."
The USBL has sent 150 players to the NBA, including the great Avery Johnson. Having won an NBA championship as a player, Johnson is now the head coach of the conference champion Dallas Mavericks. The USBL has also produced NBA slam-dunk champion Spud Webb, as well as NBA stars Manute Bol, Michael Adams, Sam Mitchell, John "Hot Rod" Williams, Adrian Griffin, and Darrell Armstrong.
Each USBL squad plays a 26 game regular season. The Patroons will host 13 home contests at the Armory and the team is currently offering discounts on their season ticket packages. If you would like to make a purchase, stop by the Armory's box office or purchase by phone at (518) 694-7160, ext. 26.
ARMORY EVENTS
This fall the Armory is featuring a variety of exciting concerts and special events that will be sure to pique the Capital District's interest.
On September 15th and the 16th, the Armory will be hosting the American Society of Interior Design trade show. This exhibition will showcase the nation's leading names in home design and is a must-attend for those planning on refurbishing current homes, or building new ones. Meanwhile, our ever-popular "Friday Night F(r)ights" professional boxing makes its return on October 27th.
The Armory has also tentatively scheduled dates for premiere concerts and world-class entertainment. The NYC indie rock band The Strokes will make their appearance on Friday, Oct.6. This show is presented by WEQX.
And on October 29th, the Armory will host the legendary grunge band, Alice in Chains, with special guests Hurt & Modern Day Zero. Tickets go on sale August 19th ! Stop by the Armory Box office for tickets, or order online at ticketmaster.com.
Reggae sensation "Matisyahu" may make his Armory debut either the second or third weekend of October. And professional wrestling could visit the Armory during the second week of October. For the latest updates and details on any of these events be sure to visit the Armory's website!
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Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from August 4, 2006
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