
Rampage Open 2003 Season on Saturday
January 27, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release
Grand Rapids, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Rampage of the Arena Football League will begin their quest for ArenaBowl XVII on Saturday, February 1 against the Buffalo Destroyers at HSBC Arena.
The game, which kicks off at 7 p.m., can be heard live on WBBL 1340 AM. Veteran broadcasters Joe Parson and Tom Sullivan will handle the call of the game.
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 begins this weekend with four regional contests: San Jose vs. Arizona, Georgia vs. Colorado, Orlando vs. Chicago, and New York vs. Dallas. Grand Rapids will be featured on NBC seven times in 2003, including back-to-back home games on Sunday, February 16 vs. New York Dragons (home opener) and Sunday, February 23 vs. Tampa Bay Storm.
Rampage/Destroyers Quick Facts:
* Grand Rapids leads the all-time series 3-0, including two victories at HSBC Arena (1999, 2001).
* The Rampage have won three consecutive season openers (2 home, 1 road).
* Rampage head coach Michael Trigg enters his tenth season (65-64 overall), while Destroyers head coach Ron Selesky makes his AFL debut on Saturday.
* Rampage wide receiver/defensive back Terrill Shaw and offensive specialist Steve Smith were signed by Grand Rapids after spending time with Buffalo.
* Buffalo's roster boasts four former Rampage players: lineman Terry Grooms, defensive specialist JoJo Polk and fullback/linebackers Juan Long and Dwayne Woods. * Rampage assistant coach Tony Kimbrough played and coached for the Destroyers (1999-2001), throwing the first touchdown in team history on April 30, 1999.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 27, 2003
- Crush Announces Practice Roster - Colorado Crush
- San Jose at Arizona Game Notes - San Jose SaberCats
- 'Birds Squad Set For Season Opener In Detroit - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Firebirds News and Notes - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Rampage News & Notes - Grand Rapids Rampage
- SaberCats reach 24-man Roster limit - San Jose SaberCats
- Desperados Finalize Roster - Dallas Desperados
- Rampage Open 2003 Season on Saturday - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Buffalo Sets Roster For Season Opener - Buffalo Destroyers
- Jay Gruden Earns Super Bowl Ring - AFL I
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.
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