RiverRats Talk About Arena League's Demise

Published on December 17, 2008 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Erie Explosion News Release


ERIE, PA - (12/18/08) With the Arena Football League announcing this week that they will go dormant and not play in 2009, many indoor football fans have wondered what the effect will be on smaller market teams such as the Erie RiverRats and other teams in the American Indoor Football Association. RiverRats general manager Jeff Moran wants fans to know that the shutdown of the AFL will have no derogatory effects on the Rats season and even believes that it may open some opportunities for smaller market teams such as the RiverRats, "We want fans to know that the Arena Football League shutting down will have nothing to do with the operations of the AIFA. We have a lot of exciting things planned for our fans in 2009, and our future is looking more positive than ever. Without arena football there is going to be a void there that needs to be filled, football fans will still feel the desire to see and be a part of the indoor game once spring comes and this may help minor league football teams like us."

Head coach Steven G. Folmar believes that organizations in the AIFA will see a "trickle down" effect as far as player talent goes. "Of course you won't see quarterback Tony Graziani or Siaha Burley playing this year, but I think some of the second level talent from the AFL may come down and play in leagues like ours and the arena football league 2. Guys that just want to play football will find somewhere to play," says Folmar, a veteran of both the AFL and AF2.

"The upside to this whole thing is that the indoor football fan will see more and better talent in our league and they will be able to see it with ticket prices that are reasonable," remarked Moran. "We have some very exciting announcements coming in the next few weeks as we prepare for the 2009 season and beyond."

The AIFA season begins its third season of operations in March with 16 teams from coast to coast and two additional franchises (Richmond, VA and Trenton, NJ) scheduled for the 2010 season.

Come join the Erie Riverrats of the American Indoor Football Association in 2009. Fans interested in tickets can call our offices at 1-888-Riv-Rats or click on the link at the Riverrats' website at www.erieriverrats.com. You can also contact the Rats now for sponsorship or public appearance opportunities.

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American Indoor Football Association Stories from December 17, 2008


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