Sports stats

AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

Spalding to Provide AFL's New Football

November 20, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Spalding, a division of Russell Corporation (NYSE: RML), and the Arena Football League (AFL) today announced an agreement that will make Spalding the exclusive provider of the AFL's official game ball, beginning with the 2004 season which kicks off in February. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

As part of the four-year agreement, the AFL's Board of Directors approved Spalding's innovative new design for the game ball that is expected to add even greater excitement to the already high-scoring league by making it easier for receivers, defenders and, especially the fans, to locate and follow the ball during game action. The ball features a bright new look that meets all AFL competitive specifications for size, weight and construction.

The light brown Horween leather Spalding AFL game ball is manufactured using a proprietary ‘tanned-in-tack' process and features a blue ‘S' stripe that adds visual clarity, and blue ‘crosshairs' on each end. The stripe and cross-haired tips allow players downfield to quickly locate the center of the ball in flight against dark backdrops common at indoor arenas. Tests by AFL players, officials and broadcast personnel from NBC, which holds exclusive broadcast rights for AFL national telecasts, brought overwhelming endorsement of the ball's ability to be located easier by the naked eye and through the camera lens.

"The Spalding AFL game ball is the latest design in our company's rich history of innovation and we're thrilled it will be central to one of America's most exciting games," said SCOTT CREELMAN, president of Spalding. "We've been overwhelmed by the excitement people involved with the AFL at every level have shown for the ball and we're confident the great fans of the AFL will be equally excited when the games kick off in February.

"First and foremost, the new Spalding AFL game ball maintains the competitive integrity of our football, while improving in areas that are unique to our pass-oriented game, such as visual clarity and the addition of the crosshairs," said AFL Commissioner DAVID BAKER. "We're also thrilled to have a marketing partner such as Spalding who is an industry leader that will help bring the AFL to a whole new audience.

"We're looking forward to broadcasting AFL games this year with the new Spalding football," said TOMMY ROY, executive producer, NBC Sports. "We've tested the ball and were very pleased with its on-camera appearance. The ball's color and design will make it easier to see indoors and will enhance the television viewing experience for those watching at home.

Orlando Predators head coach JAY GRUDEN, who moonlights as an assistant coach for his brother JON GRUDEN and the Super Bowl-champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, tested the ball and gave it a rave review.

"A group of professional football players tested the ball and found it to be the same quality and performance of our previous ball," said Gruden. "In addition, the appearance of the ball is very eye-catching and I feel AFL fans will be extremely receptive to it.

Fans will get their first opportunity to see the new game ball when the 2004 AFL on NBC season kicks off, Sunday, February 8 with the ArenaBowl XVII Champion Tampa Bay taking on Orlando, its bitter rival in Tampa, Fla.

The Spalding AFL football will be available at retail outlets in January 2004. As part of the four-year agreement, Spalding has made a significant advertising and marketing commitment, including both consumer and retail marketing and media support.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from November 20, 2003


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.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central