Cosmo DeNicola Companies News (21)

Monday, May 13, 2019

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Announces Second Season of Chicken Soup for the Soul's Animal Tales

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc., a growing media company building online video-on-demand ("VOD") networks that provide video content for all screens, today announced a second season of its pet-themed TV series, Chicken Soup for the Soul's Animal Tales.

"Chicken Soup for the Soul has a long history of creating pet-related content and products," said William J. Rouhana, chairman and chief executive officer. "Chicken Soup for the Soul consistently encourages the well-being of animals and created this series to highlight incredible animals and the inspiring people who go above and beyond to care for them."

The second season of Chicken Soup for the Soul's Animal Tales will consist of 15 half-hour episodes and will be sponsored by Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food.

"Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food is thrilled to sponsor another season of this series," said Chris Mitchell, chief executive officer of Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food. "This series is in line with our mission to help all pets eat well, whether by making super premium pet food that is affordable or donating millions of meals to shelter pets every year. The series tells the stories of amazing and inspiring people who go above and beyond to care for, love, help, and defend animals everywhere as well as how animals can change our lives."

Friday, May 10, 2019

Harris Healthcare acquires Uniphy Health

WHY IT MATTERS

Uniphy Health’s mobile and desktop apps reach more than 90,000 clinicians at healthcare providers nationwide and the acquisition enables Harris to offer its clients additional ways to improve care coordination, physician and patient engagement.

The apps allow users to securely send messages to individuals and/or groups, including care teams and community physicians, and individuals can create personal groups while the organization can offer system-wide pre-populated groups.

In addition, patient-centric chats allow secure care team communications organized around a specific patient. An ADT feed populates each physician’s patient list and includes care teams, and authorized care teams members can add others to patient centric groups, like case managers or off-site primary care physicians.

Uniphy offers an entire suite of applications that help securely streamline bed management, patient lists and transition notifications, as well as handling physician referral management, physician coverage, and escalation.

ON THE RECORD

“Uniphy Health’s solutions have demonstrated a unique ability to solve healthcare’s complex communication challenges,” Santina Allen, senior executive vice president for the Harris Healthcare group, said in a statement.

Allen said Uniphy Health clients have achieved impressive levels of user adoption, and Harris was looking forward to bring their solution to other healthcare systems looking improve patient outcomes and performance metrics.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW

Uniphy launched UH4, an enterprise-wide platform for hospitals, clinics and health care facilities, in 2017. The platform is designed to let enterprise communications applications share data and functionality.

The architecture interfaces with third-party data and applications including EHRs, HIEs, financial data, CRM systems, charge capture and mobile forms, and was developed in part as a result of input from Uniphy Health clients such as BayCare, RWJBarnabas Health Jersey City Medical Center, Catholic Health Services and Carle.

In March, Harris Healthcare announced a partnership with distributor iWT Health to sell products developed by iWT Health complementary to the Harris’ electronic health record (EHR) and its existing Novus product line, including Novus ClinDoc and Novus Meds.

Novus Meds simplifies the providers’ experience, while also enhancing patient safety through formal review of medications at all key transition points throughout a patient’s hospitalization.

Original Article: https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/harris-healthcare-acquires-uniphy-health

Friday, May 3, 2019

AFL and ESPN Announce Media Rights Agreement

The Arena Football League (AFL) and ESPN announce a media rights agreement for all of the AFL’s 2019 regular-season games., Effective immediately, all regular-season games will be available on ESPN3 and the ESPN App. In addition, ArenaBowl XXXII will be televised on ESPN2.

All games will be streamed live on ESPN3 and the ESPN App, beginning Friday, May 3, at 7:00 p.m. ET, when the Baltimore Brigade host the Philadelphia Soul at Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, M.D. On Saturday, May 4 at 3:30 p.m., the Atlantic City Blackjacks host the Columbus Destroyers, in their first-ever home game at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. Following this matchup, the Albany Empire host the Washington Valor at 7:30 p.m. ET at Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y.

ESPN3 is ESPN's live multi-screen sports network, a destination that delivers thousands of exclusive sports events annually. ESPN3 harnesses the quality ESPN has built through its TV networks and delivers sports programming to fans through a rich interactive and easy-to-use experience. Sports fans are empowered to access compelling live or recently completed events.

AFL games can be accessed through ESPN3 on computer, smartphones, tablets and other connected devices through the ESPN App. The network is currently available nationwide at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed Internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider.

QUOTED

Scott Guglielmino, Senior Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions, ESPN

“We are delighted to be the national media home for Arena Football League – the leading professional indoor football league in the country. The AFL complements our commitment to serve fans with the best available football action year-round.”

Randall Boe, Arena Football League Commissioner

“We are pleased for the AFL, its players, coaches and fans, to be able to announce that all of our games will be broadcast on ESPN. We are pleased and proud to be working with ESPN and think they will be a great partner to help us grow the AFL.”

Zach Leonsis, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Monumental Sports and Entertainment

“ESPN is one of the most premier and progressive networks in all of sports both domestically and internationally and through this deal we are excited to have the opportunity to reach a greater number of fans while preserving access to media rights for our regional sports networks in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Albany and Columbus.

ESPN is constantly pushing the envelope on its digital platforms with the evolution of ESPN3 and ESPN+, as well as expanding and experimenting in the realm of sports betting, which aligns perfectly with our strategy at the AFL.”

Ron Jaworski, AFL Executive Committee Chair

“I’m delighted that AFL games will be on ESPN this season. I’m very proud of my broadcast career at ESPN and I know first-hand that there is no better organization in sports.”

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Telling the Story of Cosmo DeNicola Companies: Learning in Action

Last fall my colleague Trevor Fraley and I worked with Cosmo DeNicola and his team at Cosmo Denicola Companies to create a dynamic illustration that tells the story of the companies and their work in the world. It was an exciting project that allowed us to stretch in our practice, going deeper in process and partnership.

Cosmo DeNicola Companies is a privately held holding company with a diverse portfolio of businesses ranging from healthcare, technology, publishing, professional sports, and entertainment — and diverse set of humanitarian interests including cultural diplomacy, world health and humanitarian recognition. The firm is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA and led by serial entrepreneur, Cosmo DeNicola.

In late summer, Trevor and I met virtually with Cosmo and his team, which included his daughter, Morgan DeNicola, who leads much of their humanitarian work. They had seen a live graphic recording that I did for one of Dr. Klasko’s presentations hanging in his office and were intrigued about the possibilities for telling their own story.
They wanted an illustration that gave a “visual tour” of who they are; about the businesses and philanthropic work, how they are unique, yet connected, and the impact they have in the world.

Although we had access to all the information we would need to create a basic organizational chart, Trevor and I hoped to gather stories from individuals that would breathe vitality into the graphic.

Practice New Ways of Listening and Reflecting
We found a number of ways to get rich information and connect the dots.

There was considerable video footage available. We had access to over 30 videos and hours of material about the companies’ work and its roots, all of which helped us paint the context and understand the basic story arc.

The real opportunity was being able to do one-on-one interviews over the phone with important associates and friends of the businesses. We developed interview questions with Cosmo and his team, aiming our focus on appreciative stories about the businesses and charitable work.

Track Meaningful Narratives
We enjoyed this new way of working and learned quickly that the most fruitful interviews were those in which interviewees branched off into whatever stories they wanted to tell us: often, the stories that inspired them the most.

Nevertheless, almost everyone brought up the same three themes; passion, an appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences, and love and commitment to family. Those themes guided us and all became incorporated into the final design.

The history, outlook and areas of work were made clear through video footage and with conversation with Cosmo and his team, while the one-on-one interviews narrowed our focus and imagery.

Collaborate in Person & in a Virtual Space

Trevor and I draw together in person often but decided to experiment with new tools as a way of collaborating on this illustration. Although we were in studios 100 miles apart, we worked collaboratively using a virtual RealTime whiteboard, co-designing a mindmap to prioritize themes and ideas

Create Divergent Designs with Shared Focus
While it became clearer which distinct themes we wanted to communicate, we wanted to present at least two different drafts to the team.

Once we had determined our organizing principles, we drafted designs individually, in our own unique styles. The result was that one version was clearly more analytical, like an infographic. The other was evocative of the stories that were told, and more expressive overall. They both had unique merits.

We all met again in person and looked over the concepts as a group. We found ways to incorporate the best elements of both examples into a next draft.

Further Collaboration Enhances the Final Product
A dynamic illustrated frame occupies the outer edges of the illustration. Different areas of work intentionally defy or encroach upon the boundaries of the outer frame as if attempting to reshape it. The main narrative lives within a rounded inner frame, vaguely suggestive of a heart. It’s boundaries and shape are created by the sweep of the vortex of amazing life activities, a cyclone that blows through the landscape of the illustration and the work of the companies.

At the suggestion of Cosmo, we added the Love statue, which ties the story to the city of Philadelphia. The image in the corner is based on a real photo of Cosmo DeNicola and his wife, Janet.

“Passion” is at the core of the illustration but also the core of the companies. The spelling of core as c-o-r-r denotes the origins of the business in paper and packaging.

With more time to listen, design, and work in partnership with each other and the client we were able to create an image with more layers of meaning.

Cosmo DeNicola Companies can use the graphic to walk new partners, colleagues and guests through a visual tour of their work at their offices. They are also able to use the illustration and any of its component parts on stationary or any other merchandise. We were thrilled to have this opportunity to stretch in our practice and hope that the CDC will use the illustration for years to come.

Friday, March 29, 2019

Sony Pictures Television and Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Form Joint Venture "Crackle Plus"

Sony Pictures Television ("SPT") one of the television industry's leading content providers, and Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. ("CSS Entertainment") (Nasdaq: CSSE), a fast-growing media company building online video-on-demand ("VOD") networks that provide content for all screens, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to establish a new streaming video joint venture to be branded "Crackle Plus".

SPT and CSS Entertainment will each contribute certain assets to establish Crackle Plus and position the new company as a leading AVOD streaming platform. Each company plans to bring its respective audience and its video-on-demand and content expertise to the joint venture.

SPT's contributions to the joint venture include Crackle's U.S. assets including the Crackle brand, its monthly active users and its ad rep business. SPT and the joint venture will also enter into a license agreement for rights to popular TV series and movies from the Sony Pictures Entertainment library. In addition, New Media Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Electronics Inc., will provide the technology back-end services for the newly formed joint venture. Ownership of Crackle's original content library will be retained by SPT but will be made available for licensing to the joint venture. CSS Entertainment plans to include in the joint venture six owned and operated AVOD networks (Popcornflix, Truli, Popcornflix Kids, Popcornflix Comedy, Frightpix, and Espanolflix) and subscription video-on-demand ("SVOD") platform Pivotshare.

Crackle Plus is expected to have:

- A combined audience of nearly 10 million monthly active users on its owned and operated networks, as well as millions of additional users from its ad rep business, positioning it as one of the largest AVOD platforms in the U.S.
- Over 38,500 hours of programming
- More than 90 content partnerships
- Over 1.3 billion minutes streamed per month
- An offering of over 100 networks, both ad-supported and subscription-based, including networks owned by Crackle Plus and third-party networks distributed via Pivotshare

"Crackle is a valuable asset and we feel confident it will thrive and grow in this new environment with CSS Entertainment," noted Mike Hopkins, chairman of SPT. "We were drawn to CSS Entertainment as our partner in this venture because of its aggressive, entrepreneurial approach," said Hopkins. "The CSS Entertainment team have the enthusiasm and strong business acumen to ensure Crackle Plus is poised to maximize the growing opportunities in the AVOD marketplace."

"This transaction positions CSS Entertainment as a leader in the high-growth AVOD business," said William J. Rouhana Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of CSS Entertainment. "Creating a new platform that brings together CSS Entertainment's VOD assets with SPT's Crackle brand and AVOD assets, establishes a compelling offering for viewers and advertisers. Consistent with our business plan, we plan to build Crackle Plus aggressively and profitably through organic growth and, potentially, acquisitions."

AVOD streaming services like Crackle Plus are growing in popularity with consumers. With the expansion of smartphone adoption and the explosive growth of content consumption on mobile devices, the number of non-pay TV households in the United States reached an estimated 24.9 million in 2017 (Rapid TV), and the number of cord-cutters is projected to grow to over 55.1 million by 2022 (eMarketer).

"With the increased demand for free online video content as well as a need for advertisers to reach consumers, AVOD networks such as Crackle Plus are positioned for substantial growth," Hopkins noted.

Under the terms of the agreement, CSS Entertainment will own the majority interest in the joint venture. Additionally, SPT will receive four million five-year warrants to purchase Class A common stock of CSS Entertainment at various prices. The addition of the Crackle assets is expected to more than double CSS Entertainment's overall revenue and add meaningful EBITDA.

Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., a subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (NYSE: LTS) acted as sole advisor to CSS Entertainment in this transaction. Moelis & Company LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to SPT in connection with the transaction.

Friday, March 29, 2019

The Humpty Dumpty Institute Signs Cooperation Agreement with Peace Without Limits Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Members of the Board of Directors and Staff of The Humpty Dumpty Institute traveled to the United Arab Emirates February 24-28 to discuss cooperation with Emirati humanitarian and academic institutions. Dr. Al Khalafalla, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HDI, led the delegation which included Board Member Mark Epstein, Associate Member Morgan DeNicola, Executive Director Joseph Merante, and Director of HDI's Higher Education Alliance Steve Ginther. In addition, Mr. Thorsten Jelenik, Director of the European Headquarters of The Taihe institute participated as a representative of HDI's Board Members based in China. The delegation had meetings in the Emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.

On February 25, Dr. Khalafalla signed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Humpty Dumpty Institute with His Excellency Saif al Shehhi, the Founder and Director of Peace Without Limits. HDI will collaborate Peace Without Limits strive for its goal of fostering dialogue among different cultures, raise the awareness of the importance of interreligious dialogue, and develop educational programs which lay the groundwork for informed global citizens. Peace Without Limits has offices in Washington, D.C., Geneva, Switzerland, Sharjah (UAE), and Kampala, Uganda.

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Appoints Industry Veterans

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. ("CSS Entertainment") (Nasdaq: CSSE), a growing media company building online video-on-demand ("VOD") networks that provide video content for all screens, today announced the appointment of three leading industry executives to CSS Entertainment's rapidly expanding business units.
Philippe Guelton has been named executive vice president of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, and president of VOD networks.
David Fannon has been promoted to executive vice president of distribution for Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, and president of Screen Media.
George Lansbury has been named executive vice president of content strategy for Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, and president of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment originals.
"The entertainment industry continues to evolve. As consumers look for new ways to find the content they enjoy, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment is uniquely positioned to benefit from this evolution," commented William J. Rouhana, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer. "We have created our own ecosystem to produce and distribute content both on a business-to-business basis, as well as directly to audiences. This structure creates logical homes for our content brands like A Plus, Popcornflix, and Truli, as well as future companies. Just as importantly, this structure will help us lower our costs to acquire customers and will allow us to operate more efficiently. Recruiting Philippe Guelton and George Lansbury to CSS Entertainment is a noteworthy achievement, speaking to the progress we have made. We are also particularly pleased to announce the promotion of David Fannon, who has proven his value to our organization. We have set the stage with the team to meaningfully accelerate our growth in the near-term."

Video-On-Demand (VOD) Networks:

As the president of VOD networks, Mr. Guelton will oversee all of CSS Entertainment's properties that monetize video content directly to audiences. This will enable the company to improve efficiency and flexibility by consolidating all VOD operations including Pivotshare, Popcornflix, and Truli, and lay the groundwork for future acquisitions.

Mr. Guelton was formerly the chief executive officer at SheKnows Media (now She Media), a mission-driven digital media company with a reach of 60+ million monthly unique visitors and over 350+ million social media fans. Penske Media Corporation acquired SheKnows Media in 2018. Previously, Mr. Guelton served as president of Thrillist Media Group, a leading men's lifestyle digital brand now part of GroupNine. Mr. Guelton was also chief operating officer at Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., where he oversaw print and digital platforms for brands such as Elle and Woman's Day. Prior to that, he led the acquisition and was the chief executive officer of Japanese publishing company Fujingaho (now part of Hearst).

"Philippe is the right leader for our online networks business, bringing a wealth of experience and a diverse history of growing and profitably managing leading media properties," said Elana Sofko, chief operating officer. "Philippe's extensive media background and business acumen will help us significantly accelerate the growth of our VOD networks business, and expand our overall media business portfolio."

"CSS Entertainment has quickly positioned itself in the VOD space with six owned and operated advertising VOD networks (Popcornflix, Popcornflix Kids, Frightpix, Popcornflix Comedy, Espanolflix, and Truli) as well as its subscription VOD technology platform Pivotshare, serving paid video subscribers across hundreds of independent channels," said Mr. Guelton. "I am very excited to join a talented team to drive growth, both organic and external, through the constantly disruptive and evolving media ecosystem."

Distribution:

David Fannon, currently president of Screen Media, assumes leadership of all of CSS Entertainment's distribution and content acquisition initiatives. He first joined Screen Media in 2005 and over the course of his 14-year tenure, Mr. Fannon has been intimately involved with the growth and expansion of Screen Media from a home video company to a truly digital pioneer. Screen Media acquires the rights to TV series, films and other video libraries, and monetizes these assets by licensing those rights to companies that deliver video to their own audiences. The team sells the content worldwide across a comprehensive range of video platforms, including theatrical releases, cable TV, local TV, digital platforms, DVDs and CSS Entertainment's own VOD/Online Networks.

In addition to his role as president of Screen Media, Mr. Fannon has recently been named executive vice president of distribution for Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. Prior to joining Screen Media, Mr. Fannon spent nearly a decade on the legal team at A&E Television Networks where he oversaw all business affairs for the network's growing slate of original productions.

"David has steered Screen Media into impressive growth during his time with the company," noted Ms. Sofko. "He has been intimately involved with every major deal entered by Screen Media and we are confident he will lead CSS Entertainment's distribution successfully through changing landscapes."

"The Screen Media distribution business has had great success operating as part of CSS Entertainment since being acquired in 2017," said Mr. Fannon. "I look forward to working with this incredible leadership team to grow our distribution business by increasing the number and quality of TV series and films we acquire and by acquiring valuable content libraries."

Production:

CSS Entertainment has established a unique and sustainable presence creating original television series as well as short-form videos across a range of topics, funded primarily by sponsors. George Lansbury assumes leadership of this function. Mr. Lansbury brings a successful history of multi-platform programming and production, coming most recently from Fusion Media Group as senior vice president of programming, production and operations. As part of the team that launched FusionTV, Mr. Lansbury was instrumental in the expansion of Fusion Media by increasing distribution and ratings while collectively earning over 75 television and journalism awards. He was also responsible for integrating the Gizmodo Media digital brands, including The Onion, The AV Club, The Root, and Jalopnik, and developed multi-platform programming and editorial opportunities. Prior to FusionTV, Mr. Lansbury worked on original projects with YouTube and was employed by AMC Networks, Cablevision and MTV Networks.

"George brings broad, creative management to CSS Entertainment," said Ms. Sofko. "He has a proven track record and unique background in creating engaging and successful content across platforms. As the digital and linear distribution worlds combine, we'll be able to create content that works well in each of these areas."

"I'm excited to join the CSS Entertainment leadership team," said Mr. Lansbury. "CSS originals traverse between digital and linear distribution networks. They have already appeared on major networks such as A&E, The CW, CBS, TLC, Discovery Life, Discovery Family and Netflix, and their related content has reached hundreds of millions of digital video views. The changing media landscape offers a great opportunity to build more multi-platform alternatives by utilizing CSS Entertainment's core strengths of quality production and positive storytelling. I look forward to working with this talented team, our sponsors and many others to extend the brand further with relevant premium content and to drive viewers to our own networks in the future."

Friday, March 8, 2019

Cosmo DeNicola Addresses Students and Presents Scholarships

Parishioners from Saint John Vianney Parish in Gladwyne (Montgomery County) presented eight scholarships to current eighth grade students from several parish, regional, and Independence Mission Schools in the City of Philadelphia to attend any Archdiocesan High School for all four years. This presentation is part of the Saint John Vianney Scholars Program.

During the presentation, Mr. Michael Greenly, Chairman of the Saint John Vianney Scholars Board addressed students in grades 4-8 to speak about the scholarship program and the opportunity for children to win the award in the future. Cosmo DeNicola, Saint John Vianney Scholars Board member, was also present to honor the scholars and address the students at St Monica’s School in South Philadelphia The content of Cosmo’s talk centered around being a Champion in Life and the view that anything is possible. He delivered an inspiring positive message.

“I am so excited to revisit the families and recognize the academic achievements of the students at St Monica’s. They clearly relate to my inner-city upbringing and community experience” stated Cosmo DeNicola. Morgan DeNicola (CDC Program Manager) also participated and explained her family of companies three Passions; World Health, Cultural Diplomacy and Humanitarian recognition.

The 2019 scholars come from the following Catholic elementary schools in the city of Philadelphia: Our Lady of Port Richmond; Immaculate Heart of Mary; Holy Innocents Area Catholic Elementary School; Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic School; Saint Monica; St. George School, and Our Mother of Consolation. Since its official launch in 2012, the program has recognized 52 students with scholarships.

The mission of the Saint John Vianney Scholars Program is to provide financial and academic support to children who are currently attending a Philadelphia parish school and qualify to sit for the Saint John Neumann exam.

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For more information about the Saint John Vianney Scholars Program please contact Mr. Michael Greenly at 215-519-6523 or visit http://www.sjvscholars.com/index.html.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Steinberg DeNicola Announce Zach Ertz as Recipient of 82nd Annual Maxwell Football Gala Humanitarian Award

Cosmo DeNicola and Leigh Steinberg of Steinberg Sports and Entertainment, announced the recipient of the 2019 Steinberg DeNicola Humanitarian award being presented at the 82^nd Annual Maxwell Football Gala. The Humanitarian award is given to a representative of the NFL that has committed themselves to doing good in their community. The NFL Player recipient is chosen for 2019 is Philadelphia Eagles Tight End, Zach Ertz.

Zach, alongside his wife Julie, founded the Ertz Family Foundation in 2018. The Ertz Family foundation focuses on creating sports opportunities for those who lack them, providing educational opportunities for youth of all ages and restoring a sense of hope and opportunity for families who need it most.

“Some people see, many hear, few act. Zach and his family foundation touch people with their caring and loving actions,” stated Cosmo DeNicola.

The 2019 winner will be honored Friday, March 8th, 2019 at the 82^nd Maxwell Club National Awards Gala, which will be held at the Tropicana Casino Resort in Atlantic City, NJ. Also receiving awards at this event will be: Patrick Mahomes- Kansas City Chiefs (The Bert Bell NFL Player of the Year Award), Andy Reid- Kansas City Chiefs (Earl “Greasy” Neale Award), Tua Tagovailoa- Alabama (Maxwell Award), Josh Allen- Kentucky (Chuck Bednarik Award), Bob Surace - Princeton University (Andy Talley Tri-State Coach of the Year Award), John Lovett- Princeton University (Brian Westbrook Tri-State Player of the Year Award), Ron Jaworski- Philadelphia Eagles & ESPN ( Francis Reds Bagnell Award), Jeff Monken- Army-West Point (George Munger College Coach of the Year Award) and MFC/Adidas National High School Players of the Year Bru McCoy (Mater Dei HS - Texas) and Nolan Smith (IMG Academy - Georgia).

Tickets for the Maxwell Football Club National Awards Gala are available for purchase on the Club's website https://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/product/national-awards-individual-ticket or by calling 215-643-3833.

Questions concerning any of the Maxwell Football Club's awards or programs can be directed to MFC Executive Director Mark Wolpert at info@maxwellfootballclub.org.

Thursday, February 7, 2019

THE ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE ANNOUNCES EXPANSION TO COLUMBUS, OHIO

The Arena Football League (AFL) officially announces that it is launching a team in Columbus, Ohio, to begin play in Spring of 2019. The team will play its home games at Nationwide Arena, and will play a total of 12 games during the regular season.

Previously during its five years as the Columbus Destroyers (2004-2008), the team established a rich history and a loyal fan base averaging over 14,000 fans per game. Beyond its attraction to fans, the team received widespread support from the surrounding business community.

“This is a banner day for the Arena Football League, with the return of one of the League’s most attractive markets that has proven to be comprised of loyal fans,” said Ron Jaworski, the AFL chairman of the executive committee. “We are going to deliver an AFL team that will immediately excite and draw in the people of Columbus.”

A main highlight of the previous team’s history in Columbus includes a trip to the ArenaBowl in 2007, when the team was led by quarterback Matt Nagy, now Head Coach of the Chicago Bears, who was recently named the 2018 NFL Coach of the Year.

“We’re very pleased to launch a team in a great market like Columbus,” said AFL Commissioner Randall Boe. “The League’s plan was to expand to six teams for the 2019 season, and the addition of the Columbus team accomplishes that goal. We’re looking forward to a great season of AFL football both in Columbus and across the League.”

The team re-joins the League at a time when new and high-tech innovations are implemented, keeping the League as one that is future-oriented.

“We are thrilled to welcome Columbus to the Arena Football League, a league that is poised for significant growth and is uniquely positioned to deliver a more exciting, engaging football game with opportunities for betting, gaming and fantasy integration,” said Ted Leonsis, Chairman and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment and owner of the AFL Baltimore Brigade and Washington Valor.

The addition of this team to the Arena Football League in a market as strong as Columbus enables the League to continue to grow, as the team is expected to play high-quality football that is competitive, engaging and fun for all in attendance.

“We are overjoyed that the Arena Football League has chosen Columbus and Nationwide Arena as their new home,” said Mike Gatto, General Manager of Nationwide Arena. “The AFL will add excitement to the Arena District starting this spring. We look forward to hosting their uniquely fast-paced, exciting and fan-centric games!”

The team name will be announced in the coming weeks, as will announcements regarding coaching staff. Additionally, the League will release its official 2019 schedule next week.

Season ticket plans are on sale now. To become a season ticket holder, fans may go to www.columbusafl.com and place a deposit. Seating preferences will be determined by the order in which deposits are received.

Fans can follow the Columbus team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (all @AFLColumbus).

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