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Rampage Return Home to Face Division Rival Chicago

March 27, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - After three long weeks on the road, the Grand Rapids Rampage (5-3) finally return home to the friendly confines of Van Andel Arena to face the Chicago Rush (3-5) this Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.

The team's lone home March contest, which is officially sold out, marks the first meeting between these two teams since Chicago clinched the Central Division crown with a 56-50 victory over Grand Rapids at Van Andel Arena last season.

During the Rampage's championship run in 2001, Grand Rapids defeated the expansion Rush three straight times. Last season, Chicago returned the favor by beating the Rampage two straight en route to their first division title. This rivalry game is extremely important for both sides as the contest marks the beginning of the 2003 season's second half. Grand Rapids needs a victory to stay atop the Central Division, and to keep pace in the hunt for home field advantage during the playoffs, while Chicago can get to within one game of the division lead with a win, coupled with a Dallas loss.

The Rampage's third sellout of 2003 will be televised locally on WXSP-TV (cable channel 18). Veteran Rampage broadcasters Joe Parson and Tom Sullivan will handle the play-by-play and color analyst duties of WSXP's live broadcast. The duo's call of the game will also be simulcast on WBBL 1340 AM.

GAME PROMOTIONS

School Night II: Over 2,200 students from area schools will be in attendance as a part of the Rampage's second School Night of the 2003 season.

Halftime Act: The Jesse White Tumbling Team - This internationally known tumbling team has been thrilling audiences since 1959. Their acrobatic performances can frequently be seen during NBA and NFL halftime shows, and Major League Baseball games.

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.

Tailgate & Postgame Party: Fans can tailgate two hours before the game across the street from Van Andel Arena at the Margarita Grill. After the game, fans can venture back over to the Margarita Grill to join Rampage players and coaches for the team's official postgame party.

RAMPAGE/RUSH QUICK FACTS

* This will be the sixth overall meeting between these two teams. Grand Rapids leads the series three games to two, with one of the team's victories coming in the quarterfinals of the 2001 ArenaBowl playoffs.

* Rampage coach Michael Trigg (70-67 overall) and Rush coach Mike Hohensee (68-67 overall) are both in their 10th season as AFL head coaches.

* Grand Rapids is 24-18 all-time in regular season games at Van Andel Arena.

* Chicago's roster boasts former Rampage linemen Tony Bowick. Bowick was a two-time Rampage Lineman of the Year during his four seasons in Grand Rapids (1998-2001).

* Saturday's matchup will feature the last two Central Division champions.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 27, 2003


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