The Firebirds Are Back
October 3, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Albany Firebirds News Release
Albany, NY - Times Union Center officials are pleased to announce that arena football will be played this spring and summer in Albany. Capital Cities Professional Football, LLC has re-branded its arenafootball2 team as the Albany Firebirds. The Firebirds are returning to the Capital Region this season thanks to a number of people as a deal was negotiated between SMG, Albany County, the Times Union and Walter Robb, owner of the Albany River Rats.
"Albany's team is back and I couldn't be happier," said Firebirds owner Walter L. Robb. "This has been a process of working with supportive partners who were all interested in being able to provide our community with top notch professional sports entertainment. Our staff is excited to begin the rebirth of one of the City's most storied teams and I look forward to greeting all of our fans when we kick-off in 2009."
"Bringing the Firebirds back will be like bringing the Dodgers back to Brooklyn. We can revisit the Firebird glory years of the 90's. We are thrilled that our efforts with Walter Robb, the Times Union and SMG will bring the Firebirds back." - Albany County Executive Mike Breslin
"The City of Albany is proud to be the home of this exciting and very talented Arena Football team," said Mayor Jerry Jennings. "The Firebirds are sure to heat up our arts and entertainment district, and I know they will provide great fun for Albany's residents and visitors alike. I applaud the efforts of everyone involved for continuing to make our Capital City a premier entertainment destination."
The SMG staff feels that this upcoming season will be a successful one due to the marketing and promotions assistance that the Times Union is offering.
"SMG worked hard with the Publisher of the Times Union and Walter Robb to put this deal together. We cannot thank Mr. Robb and the Times Union newspaper enough for their efforts to finalize a deal that keeps Arena Football in Albany. Best of all...we are extremely excited about the fact that the "Albany Firebirds" will be playing again in the arena. A number of players who were on the 1999 Championship team have expressed interest to be considered for the head coaching job. I think the Capital Region will really get out and support the Firebirds in 2009, especially if the coach is someone that they used to cheer for as a former player", said Bob Belber - SMG, Times Union Center General Manager.
"The Times Union is pleased to have the Firebirds back in Albany. We hope our support will help create more awareness and excitement around the team, leading to more fans enjoying the experience of our hometown Arena Football Team." - Mark Aldam, Publisher, Times Union.
The arena staff as well as the team would like to extend a thank you to the General Managers of the local Radio and Television stations who have stepped up to help support the team already.
"Our organization is excited to begin play as the Albany Firebirds for the 2009 arenafootball2 season in March," said Firebirds GM/President.CEO S. Garen Szablewski. "We look forward to providing the type of entertainment that the Capital District fans have become accustomed to since the early 1990s. Our thanks to everyone that allowed Arena Football to remain an Albany staple including our dedicated owner Mr. Robb, Mr. Aldam, Albany County Executive Mike Breslin, SMG, Mayor Jerry Jennings and of course Mr. Belber, for his tireless efforts in bringing this all together."
All parties involved are excited for the season to begin and look forward to bringing back the action of Arena Football and the excitement of the Albany Firebirds. We hope to bring people back to downtown Albany during the summer.
"We fully support the Albany organization in its plan to re-brand their team as the Firebirds because it was what their fans wanted," said af2 President Jerry Kurz. "The city of Albany has enjoyed Arena Football for 18 years, including 11 successful seasons at the AFL level as the Firebirds and seven as the af2's Conquest. We anticipate this move will invigorate the franchise and its fan base and ensure the organization's success for years to come."
Beginning Friday, October 3rd, season tickets will be available for purchase at the arena box office, or by calling 487-2244 or 487-2083. For a limited time, all paid season ticket holders will receive a commemorative Firebirds t-shirt with their tickets.
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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.
