Wednesday, November 19, 2008
PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL RETURNS TO THE NATION’S CAPITAL AS THE DC SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION WELCOMES THE “DC ARMOR” TO THE DC ARMORY
American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) expansion franchise set to begin play in 2009, providing affordable family fun and economic enrichment within the city limits
WASHINGTON, DC — The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission (DCSEC) today introduced Washington, D.C.’s newest expansion franchise – the DC Armor of the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA). The team, which begins play in the 16-team league in March 2009, will participate in the East Division of the Eastern Conference and play its home games in the DC Armory. The DC Armory is a landmark venue with abundant parking and Metro accessibility.
“We continue our mission of enriching the DC community by bringing great sporting events to the area,” said Erik A. Moses, Chief Executive Officer of the DCSEC. “Along with the upcoming inaugural EagleBank Bowl college football game, the DC Armor franchise will bring football, fan excitement and energy to the RFK-Armory campus. The addition of the DC Armor to this region’s professional sports landscape is yet another step towards fulfilling our mission of bringing diverse entertainment options to the District.”
Affordability and a fun-filled fan experience are two priorities for the DC Armor. In addition to the action on the field, numerous activities during homes games will be geared toward families and kids. “Fan Zones”, featuring large play areas, mini-event booth setups, player meet-and-greets and musical entertainment, will be setup both inside and outside the Armory. Fans will also have the opportunity to win DC Armor memorabilia and prizes from team sponsors.
“We’re ecstatic about bringing an AIFA franchise to the D.C. market,” said Corey Barnette, Managing Partner and General Manager for the DC Armor. “Washington, D.C. and its football thirsty fans will have a brand of football that is exciting, highly competitive and affordable. The average ticket price will be around $20 and we will have special promotions throughout the season.”
The Washington, D.C. metro area, with over four million consumers and a sports-rich tradition, made it an attractive expansion city for the AIFA. “I am so very excited about this franchise,” said AIFA co-founder John Morris. “It is perfectly located in the center of our Eastern footprint. That Washington-Baltimore rivalry is going to be great, and a Richmond franchise is coming aboard in 2010. Washington is a fantastic sports market with a huge population base from which to draw.”
Ticket packages will be announced at a later date.
TRYOUTS ON NOVEMBER 29
The Armor’s first head coach is Danny James. James, along with Armor personnel and coaching staff, will host the team’s first tryouts on Saturday, November 29 at historic RFK Stadium. Males 18 years and older are invited to tryout. Registration begins at 8:30 am and tryouts begin promptly at 9:15 am. Dance team tryouts, also at RFK Stadium, begin at 10:30 am. These tryouts are open to women ages 18 years and older. In the event of rain, the rescheduled date will be posted on www.dcarmor.com.
ABOUT DC SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION (DCSEC)
The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, an independent agency of the District of Columbia government founded in 1995, is responsible for attracting, presenting and hosting sports, entertainment and special events in the Washington, DC area. The Commission is also responsible for the management and operation of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and the DC Armory Complex.
ABOUT DC ARMOR
Owned by Arena Sports Partners, LLC, the DC Armor is an indoor football team playing in the American Football Association. The regular season is 14 games starting in March and ending in June. Divisional and conference playoffs along with the AIFA Bowl, the league’s championship game, are in July. For additional information on the DC Armor, please visit www.dcarmor.com or call (202) 332-6873. |
