Valor to Unveil ArenaBowl XXXI Banner May 11
May 9, 2019 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Washington Valor News Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Washington Valor announced today that Wizards alumnus Phil Chenier and Capitals alumnus Errol Rausse, who played a combined 10 seasons in the nation's capital, will take part in the coin toss prior to kickoff of the team's home opener on Saturday, May 11 at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena against the Atlantic City Blackjacks. Washington will raise the ArenaBowl XXXI banner in a pregame ceremony. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive miniature replica banners (attached), presented by Capital One, and will have an exclusive look at the moment the team received their championship rings.
Additionally, Saturday's halftime entertainment will feature a field goal competition with $5,000 on the line. A group of five contestants will take turns kicking 40-yard field goals for a two-minute period - the first contestant to hit a field goal within the time limit will be awarded the prize money. Fans can enter for a chance to participate in the contest HERE.
Fans who arrive early will have the opportunity to enjoy Valor Hour, which offers $5 beers in select locations around the concourse from the time doors open until kickoff (6-7 p.m.). Throughout the game, fans will have access to several interactive concourse activities, including photo opportunities with the ArenaBowl XXXI trophy, a Valor-themed photo booth and stations for face painting and poster making.
As is the tradition in the Arena Football League, all fans in attendance will be welcomed to join Valor players on the field following the game for an autograph session. The field will be open for 30 minutes at the end of the game and will allow fans the chance to meet their favorite Valor players and participate in the Valor quarterback toss game.
Also returning for the 2019 is the Bud Light Party Zone, which gives fans access to a field-level view, a chance to interact with players throughout the game and unlimited food and drink for just $59. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
Saturday's home opener will also represent the debut of the Valor's redesigned playing field, now featuring rounded endzone corners and new-look field paint. A full look at the new design is attached.
As announced in February, the AFL has instituted a number of rule changes intended to increase the speed of the game and cut down on in-game delays. Below is a brief summary of the league's updated timing regulations:
The first half's one-minute timing rules have been eliminated. There is no longer an automatic clock stoppage at the one-minute mark in the second quarter and the game clock now follows regular guidelines. Additionally, in the fourth quarter, the traditional AFL clock stoppage rules no longer take effect until the thirty-second mark.
The number and duration of media timeouts has been reduced.
Each team now has three timeouts per half. Two of the three timeouts are clock-stoppage timeouts only: the game clock stops and the play clock resets immediately. The third team timeout in each half remains a traditional timeout.
A 60-second play clock has been implemented following the extra-point attempt and/or two-point conversion attempt with the exception of media timeouts.
Single game tickets for the 2019 Washington Valor regular season, presented by Capital One, are on sale now. Fans looking to purchase single game tickets may visit the team website or call 202-661-5005. The Valor will play six regular season home games, all at Capital One Arena, including the team's home opener on Saturday, May 11 at 7 p.m. against the Atlantic City Blackjacks and the regular season finale on Saturday, July 20 at 3:30 p.m. against the Columbus Destroyers.
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Arena Football League Stories from May 9, 2019
- Week 3 Game Preview - Blackjacks at Valor - Atlantic City Blackjacks
- Valor to Unveil ArenaBowl XXXI Banner May 11 - Washington Valor
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