Thunder announce 2006 schedule
November 15, 2005 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Daytona Beach Thunder News Release
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - If he could kick off tomorrow, he would, but Daytona Beach Thunder Head Coach/General Manager Ervin Bryson will have to wait until Sunday, February 26 for the American Indoor Football League expansion team to begin play.
That's when the Thunder will travel to Columbus, Ga., to face the Chattahoochee Valley Vipers in the season opener for both teams.
Daytona Beach will make its home debut in the Ocean Center the following Thursday, March 2 against the Raleigh (N.C.) Rebels.
In all, Daytona Beach will play 14 games in a 16-week period, with both seven home and away games. The seven home games include three on Thursday, three on Saturday and one Sunday evening affair.
The Thunder's schedule is basically a home-and-home with the other seven teams in the AIFL's Southern Division.
"In my years in football, this is the most logical and sensible schedule I've seen," Bryson said. "Sure, there's a curiosity to face the teams up north, but remember, travel is a major logistical consideration. This year, it won't be, especially with our ownership group providing a state-of-the-art sleeper bus."
Other highlights of the schedule include the defending league champion Richmond Bandits coming to town May 13 and the two-game series with the Rome Renegades, the Atlantic Conference champion of the National Indoor Football League that is now a member of the AIFL.
"I have a lot of respect for Rome,'' Bryson said. "And you always want to see how you stack up against champions."
Season tickets are available. Contact the Ocean Center Box Office at (386) 254-4545 for more information.
• Discuss this story on the American Indoor Football Association message board...
American Indoor Football Association Stories from November 15, 2005
- Thunder announce 2006 schedule - Daytona Beach Thunder
- Renegades add two linemen - Rome Renegades
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.
