VooDoo plans fun-filled experience for Sunday's game
February 17, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
When the New Orleans VooDoo face off against the Philadelphia Soul on Sunday, February 20 at the New Orleans Arena, fans can expect an exciting, interactive experience leading up to the game through its conclusion.
When the Soul travel from Philadelphia to New Orleans they will be bring with them some high-profile celebrities in Majority Owner/Co-Chairman of the Board and longtime musician Jon Bon Jovi and Team President and former Philadelphia Eagles QB Ron Jaworski.
In addition to the celebrity presence, the fans will be treated to a true shootout on the field as the game will feature a matchup of two of the premier quarterbacks in the game in New Orleans' Andy Kelly and Philadelphia signal caller Tony Graziani.
Kelly has completed 95-of-131 passes for 973 yards with 20 touchdown passes and one interception this season. He is currently ranked first in the AFL in passer rating (128.5) and passing yardage and tied for first in touchdown passes with Graziani. He has been named the AFL's Offensive Player of the Week for two consecutive weeks.
One of the Arena Football League's all-time leading passers, Kelly currently holds the AFL career passing records for completions (2958), attempts (4802) and passing yards (33,006) and is second all-time in touchdown passes (640), training New York's Aaron Garcia by two. Kelly has started 122 consecutive games, the all-time record for consecutive starts by a quarterback.
Graziani led the Arena Football League in touchdown passes with a career-high 99 in 2004, the third-highest total in league history. He is one of only just four players in league history to account for more than 100 touchdowns in a season.
There will be plenty of excitement for VooDoo fans off the field as well, while they try to improve on their 2-1 record. VooDoo fans will be treated to an exciting, interactive game day experience starting at 9 a.m. In front of the Girod Street entrance to the New Orleans Arena, children will be able to participate in the VERB Anytour. This is an interactive exhibit featuring various volleyball, tennis, hockey, soccer, football, baseball and playground games for children and teenagers to participate in. Participants will also receive giveaway items, such as t-shirts, temporary tattoos, frisbees and wristbands. This unique exhibit will be open to fans prior to the game and following the contest.
The first 10, 000 fans that enter the New Orleans Arena for the game will receiver a pair of VooDoo Thunder Sticks, sponsored by Aaron's Rents and News on Wheels. Fans will also receive a complimentary game program upon entering the arena. Following every home game, all VooDoo players, coaches and VooDoo Dolls will remain on the field to sign autographs for the fans. Fans are encouraged to come onto the field after the game and meet the members of the New Orleans VooDoo.
Plenty of tickets remain for Sunday's game with several pricing and seating options available. The VooDoo and Wendy's have teamed up for a promotion where the restaurant will distribute coupons at their New Orleans area locations giving fans a three dollar discount on a seat prices at 13 dollars. The VooDoo will also donate a portion of the proceeds of each of these sales towards the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, which is supported by Wendy's.
"This is a great chance to show the country the excitement and mystique of VooDoo football in the Graveyard," said VooDoo Executive Director Mike Feder. "We hope our fans will pack the Arena and wear their VooDoo colors and clothing to support the home team."
The game will be broadcast live on NBC (WDSU TV-6 in the New Orleans area) at 11 am CT and will be handled by the network's top broadcast crew of Pat Haden, Tom Hammond and Lewis Johnson. The game will be seen in 84% of the country. The contest can also be heard on WSMB 1350-AM. Chris Kenyon will handle play-by-play, New Orleans Saints Special Teams Coordinator Al Everest will serve as a guest color analyst and Kenny Wilkerson will be the sideline reporter.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 17, 2005
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