Rampage Host Rattlers on Saturday

Published on April 16, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Coming off the most lop-sided victory in franchise history, the Grand Rapids Rampage look to extend its current win streak to four games when the team hosts the Arizona Rattlers on Saturday at Van Andel Arena.

Saturday night's contest, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m., will be only the third meeting between the Rampage (8-3) and Rattlers (6-5). Arizona took game one of the series in 1998 (Rampage's inaugural season), defeating Grand Rapids, 69-27, at Van Andel Arena. Grand Rapids evened the series last season with an impressive 71-53 victory at America West Arena.

Both teams enter Saturday's game riding winning steaks. Grand Rapids has won three straight games, while Arizona's 82-76 thrilling overtime victory at Los Angeles last weekend ran the Rattlers' win streak to two games.

Grand Rapids currently is seeded third (behind Tampa Bay and Los Angeles) in the Drive to ArenaBowl XVII. A Rampage victory on Saturday, coupled with losses by Buffalo and New York, puts Grand Rapids in the playoffs for a fifth consecutive year.

Live radio coverage of Saturday's contest begins at 7:10 p.m. on WBBL 1340 AM. Veteran broadcasters Joe Parson and Tom Sullivan will handle the call of the game.

As of today, less than 500 tickets remain for Saturday's contest. Tickets can be purchased at The Zone, located on the west side of Van Andel Arena, and through Tickets PLUS at (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737. Tickets are also available at all West Michigan Meijer locations, and on-line at www.tickets.com and the Rampage Web site.

The 2003 season marks the historic debut of the AFL on NBC. NBC Sports will televise up to 70 games, including all playoff games and ArenaBowl XVII on June 22. The network's coverage this week includes: Las Vegas at Orlando, Dallas at Chicago and Colorado at Tampa Bay.

GAME PROMOTIONS

Faith & Family Night: Over 1,200 members of local churches and youth organizations will be in attendance for the Rampage's sixth annual Faith & Family Night. As a part of the festivities, Christian bands Holy Ruckus and The Chrissy Andrews Band will play pregame (during the street party) and postgame concerts (immediately following the game), respectively.

Street Party: The East Imports Street Party will kick off at 6 p.m. (weather permitting) on the Van Andel Arena plaza with inflatable games for kids of all ages, as well as the aforementioned concert by Holy Ruckus.

Jersey Auction: The Rampage will be wearing unique black-shouldered home jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game. For the second consecutive season, all net proceeds will benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters of West Michigan.

Robert Porcher Appearance: Detroit Lions standout defensive end Robert Porcher will be in attendance for Saturday night's contest. Before participating in the coin toss, Detroit's all-time sack leader will take part in a private autograph session for Rampage season ticket holders from 6-7:15 p.m. in Banquet Room A of Van Andel Arena. The session is for Rampage season ticket holders only. Non-season ticket holders can meet Porcher earlier during the day (2-4 p.m.) at East Imports, located at 4330 29th Street SE.

Halftime Act: Halftime features the old school moves of Super Force. The dancing craze from the 1980's is back! Super Force is one of the hottest new acts in professional sports. The hip-hop street break dancing group has performed at NBA games and made several television appearances.

Autograph Session: Immediately following the game, the Rampage will hold a postgame autograph session. All fans are welcome to come down on the field to meet the players and get free autographs.

RAMPAGE/RATTLERS QUICK FACTS

* Grand Rapids is 4-1 at home this season.

* Grand Rapids is 1-1 against the Western Division this season.

* Arizona is 2-3 on the road this season.

* Arizona's Danny White (121-57 overall) and Grand Rapids' Michael Trigg (73-67 overall) are the second and fourth winningest coaches in AFL history, respectively. * Grand Rapids is 26-18 all-time in regular season games at Van Andel Arena.

* Grand Rapids' roster features former Rattlers defensive specialists Cecil Doggette, Arizona's all-time leader in tackles, passes defended and interceptions, and Mark Ricks, who played in five games this season for Arizona.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 16, 2003


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