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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).

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

THE ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE EXPANDS TO ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.

The Arena Football League (AFL) officially announces its expansion to Atlantic City, N.J., with its first new team to begin play this Spring at the historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. The Team, which will be operated by Trifecta Sports and Entertainment (TSE), has not yet been named, and fans will have the opportunity to submit and vote on team names.

“Atlantic City is a great market for the Arena Football League,” said AFL Commissioner, Randall Boe. “The AFL is focused on fan engagement and the integration of sports betting, fantasy and fan gamification with our games. Atlantic City is a perfect fit with that strategy and will be a great city for the Arena Football League.”

The League is working with diligence and intention with its expansion moves, and Atlantic City fits the AFL’s vision of growth and innovation moving forward.

“We are thrilled that Atlantic City will be the next great arena football town,” said Monumental Sports & Entertainment Chairman and CEO Ted Leonsis. “Arena Football is a game that’s tailor-made for an integrated sports betting experience, and Atlantic City is a perfect fit to help realize our vision for the AFL as the next frontier in sports betting and gaming.

“We are excited about this announcement and about future expansion of the league to come.”

The deal is subject to final approval and execution of a license agreement with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). The team’s operating management group, TSE, also operates the Philadelphia Soul and Albany Empire. TSE is owned by a group of businessmen including Ron Jaworski, George Hearst III, Craig Spencer, Dan Nolan, Ed Swyer, Dick Vermeil, Marques Colston and Jahri Evans. The group was custom designed to operate Arena Football League teams, with the goal to maximize teams’ resources and operating efficiencies.

As former TSE president, John Adams, transitions to his new role as President of the Arena Football League, George Manias assumes his new role as TSE President. Manias will oversee operations for TSE, including those of the Philadelphia Soul, the Albany Empire and the launch of Atlantic City’s new team.

“I couldn’t be more excited that Arena Football is coming to Atlantic City,” said Ron Jaworski, AFL Executive Committee Chair and TSE Owner. “We are going to bring a family friendly affordable entertainment product to AC, and bring a team that will become an integral part of the community, giving people in the area a team to be proud to call their hometown team.”

AFL Expansion Chair and TSE Owner, Stewart Anmuth, shares in similar excitement.

“I’m enthusiastic about the AFL’s expansion and am confident that Atlantic City will be a tremendous addition to our League,” said Anmuth. “It’s an exciting time in Atlantic City, and we are pumped to add to the City’s momentum. This is also just the beginning of a series of announcements for the League.”

The 2019 season will feature a 12-game regular season schedule. The new team is currently conducting a search for a head coach, which will be announced in the coming weeks. The head coach will be responsible for assembling the team’s football coaching staff, and the team roster. The time, date and location of open player tryouts will be announced soon.

As a way to involve the public directly with the new team, fans are able to go to www.AtlanticCityAFL.com to submit a suggestion for the new team’s name. The final name choices will be selected and subsequently made available for fan vote. The winning name will be announced a few weeks after the voting period has ended, and the individual who submitted the winning team name will receive a special AC team prize pack.

Fans may secure season tickets now for the new Atlantic City Arena Football team with a $50 deposit per seat, or $75 for VIP seats, by calling (609) 783-9494. A team representative will contact those who have submitted a deposit within a week, and individuals may provide their seat location preferences. Seat selection priority will be determined by the order in which deposits are received.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

SOUL RING THE “BELL” WITH NEW GENERAL MANAGER

The Philadelphia Soul announced today that former Soul linebacker and two-time ArenaBowl Champion, Beau Bell, has been named General Manager and Assistant Head Coach ahead of the 2019 season. Bell spent the 2018 season with the Albany Empire as the Director of Player Personnel/Pass Rush Coordinator during their inaugural season. His group led the league in sacks with 18 while 12 Empire players received All-Arena honors.

In this new role, Bell will oversee all player recruitment and contracts while serving as the top assistant on staff, as well as work with local, regional and national partners that support the Soul’s football operations throughout the season. Bell’s first key date on the calendar as GM will be Player Tryouts on Saturday, November 3^rd.

“I am blessed and honored to be named the GM and Assistant Head Coach of the Philadelphia Soul,” said Bell. “Receiving this title shows the confidence that the Soul ownership, front office and coach have in myself and my abilities. I look forward to bringing back championships for this organization and our fans.”

As a player, Bell arrived in Philadelphia in 2015 via trade from the LA KISS, and immediately made an impact on the field, in the locker room, and in the local community. Over the course of three seasons with the Soul, Bell led a defensive unit that ranked at or near the top of every statistical category while capturing back-to-back ArenaBowl Championships in 2016 and 2017. He was named First Team All-Arena in 2017, while also taking home Defensive Player of the Year honors and was presented with the Commissioner’s Award, which recognizes an individual who has done considerable work to grow the game of Arena Football.

“We are thrilled to welcome Beau back to the Soul family as our new General Manager,” said Soul Vice President, Marc Zamarin. “He is uniquely qualified for this role. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more respected individual in this league, and we’re excited to see Beau’s influence on our organization.”

Bell was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 4^th round of the 2008 NFL draft after a stellar career at UNLV, where he was a two-time All Mountain West Conference selection (2006, 2007) and named Mountain West Conference Defensive MVP (2007). Bell went on to play in the United Football League and Canadian Football League before finding a permanent home in the Arena Football League in 2011. Prior to joining the Soul in 2015, Bell spent time with the Spokane Shock (2011-2013) and LA KISS (2014).

Monday, August 20, 2018

SOUL WIDEOUT SIGNS WITH PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Former Philadelphia Soul WR Darius Prince has signed with the Super Bowl LII Champion Philadelphia Eagles. Prince was a top AFL receiver in 2018 and was named ArenaBowl XXX MVP in 2017.

Prince finished the 2018 regular season first in the league with 89 receptions, second in receiving yards with 1,076 and totaled 24 touchdowns. In the Soul's two post-season games, he totaled 18 receptions for 205 yards and six touchdowns.

“My first thought was how thankful I am to the Lord for giving me this opportunity,” said Prince. “Then I thought about everything I’ve been through. I started at the bottom and now I am signing a contract with the Super Bowl champs, it’s really a surreal feeling.”

Prince joined the Soul in 2017 at the start of the playoffs. He helped lead the team to their second consecutive ArenaBowl Championship and was named ArenaBowl MVP for his two-touchdown performance.

“We’re incredibly proud of Darius,” said Soul President John Adams. "He is a great ambassador of the Soul brand and we wish him all the best on this next stop of his career.”

Deposits for 2019 season memberships are currently being accepted. Visit

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Soul Players Visit the Hope Partnership for Education Students

Players on the Philadelphia Soul visited the students at the Hope Partnership for Education middle school where they spent time with the students inspiring and motivating them. The Hope Partnership for Education is is an independent middle school and adult education center endorsed by and founded in the tradition of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus and the Sisters of Mercy with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty through education.

The school is located in one of the most impoverished zip codes in Philadelphia. Median household income for a family of four is below the federal poverty level. The neighborhood conditions are very difficult. Fewer than 35% of adults living in the area have a high school diploma. The school provides academic, social and spiritual guidance to the children of low-income families as well as an active adult education program for those individuals seeking to obtain a GED. Staff at the school also provide a program that supports the children through their high school graduation.

In its fifteenth year of history, the middle school has graduated many students, all of whom have gone on to a four year high school and over 95% of whom have received their high school diploma, and 50% of whom have gone on to a two or four year college.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

SOUL AND VIRTUA TO HOST TOWN TAKEOVER

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Philadelphia Soul (3-1) and Virtua Health will host a Town Takeover at Total Turf Experience in Pitman, NJ (614 Lambs Road) this Thursday, May 17 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

“Virtua is proud to partner with the Philadelphia Soul on this spectacular community event,” said Kate Gillespie, Virtua AVP of Orthopedics. “The Town Takeover is all about fun, but we will also share a message about the importance of exercise and teamwork with the young people who attend.”

Soul fans of all ages will meet the 2018 Soul players and coaches while learning key skills and drills from the top talent in the league. Soulman and the 2018 Philadelphia Soulmates dance team will also be meeting and greeting with fans and are available for photos and autographs, as well as Soul Owner, former Philadelphia Eagle and 6abc contributor, Ron Jaworski. Throughout the event, kids can enjoy an interactive area with bounce houses, an obstacle course, a DJ and more.

“Our players, coaches and staff enjoy getting out and interacting with the families and fans in our community. It’s at the core of what we do,” said Soul Vice President, Business Operations, Marc Zamarin. “So it’s a perfect fit to collaborate with a partner like Virtua, whose commitment to the community fuels everything that they do, as well.”

The Philadelphia Soul Town Takeover, presented by Virtua is free and open to the public and media. All media inquiries are to be directed to Gabbi Townsend by Thursday morning via email at gtownsend@philadelphiasoul.com. For more details on the Town Takeover, visit www.philadelphiasoul.com/virtuatowntakeover.

The Soul play their next game at home on Saturday, May 19th against the Albany Empire (1-2). Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. and the game is presented by PA Lottery. Visit www.philadelphiasoul.com for tickets.

ABOUT VIRTUA

As one of New Jersey’s largest, non-profit health systems, Virtua provides comprehensive health care services to achieve its mission to help people be well, get well and stay well. Virtua provides services through Virtua Medical Group with 500 physicians and other clinicians, and at its urgent care centers, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, health and wellness centers, fitness centers, home health services, long-term care and rehabilitation centers, and paramedic program. A leader in maternal and child health services, Virtua delivers nearly 8,000 babies a year. It provides health services to 1,500 businesses, and participates in Virtua Physician Partners, a clinically integrated network of 1,000 physicians and other clinicians. Virtua is affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for pediatrics. It employs over 9,000 and has been honored as the #1 Best Place to Work in the Delaware Valley many times since 2007. It is the recipient of a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for quality of care, and its hospitals earned straight A’s in patient safety by The Leapfrog Group and the 2016 Patient Safety Award from Healthgrades. U.S. News and World Report ranked Virtua’s Mount Holly and Voorhees hospitals as High Performing Hospitals and Voorhees as a Best Regional Hospital. Virtua is also the recipient of the Consumer Choice Award from the National Research Corporation. For more information, visit www.virtua.org or www.virtuabroadcastnetwork.org.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA SOUL

The back-to-back World Champion Philadelphia Soul are now playing in their 13th season in the Arena Football League. In the previous 12 seasons, the Soul have won four Division Championships, four Conference Championships and three World Championships. Since the inaugural season in 2004, the Soul are the winningest professional sports team in Philadelphia. Season memberships and Group tickets for the Soul’s 2018 season are on sale now. For tickets, contact the Soul sales department at (215) 253-4900 ext. 3, or request contact from a Soul representative by filling out the form on www.philadelphiasoul.com. Additionally, fans and sponsors can follow the Soul on Facebook (Philadelphia Soul), Twitter (@soulfootball) and Instagram (@philadelphia_soul) for up to date news and exclusive content.

#RoadTo3Peat

CONTACT: GABBI TOWNSEND | 856.996.5093 | GTOWNSEND@PHILADELPHIASOUL.COM

Monday, April 16, 2018

Soul Announce Premiere of New Web Series

Beginning today, the first day of the Arena Football League season, fans of the Philadelphia Soul can go behind the scenes with the team as it prepares to defend its Back-to-Back Arena Football League Championships thanks to a partnership with local production company MyNEWPhilly.

The online series will highlight the personalities that comprise the 2018 Training Camp Roster as they prepare for the season, fight for final roster spots, and bond as teammates in pursuit of a third straight Championship.

“We are incredibly proud of our organization and the people that are part of it,” said Soul Vice President of Business Operations, Marc Zamarin. “It all starts with high character players and coaches for us, and this series is a great opportunity for fans to really get to know the phenomenal human beings that represent this city so proudly.”

Film crews from MyNEWPhilly have been embedded with the team since the beginning of Training Camp capturing candid moments on & off the field and conducting in-depth interviews with players, coaches and ownership. Using their unique perspective and creative style, the hope is that viewers can identify with these professional athletes in a way they may not have before.

“This group of guys are champions on and off the field, I’m honored to have been chosen to direct this series,” said MyNEWPhilly Founder Kyree Terrell. “It’s by far the most fun I’ve had producing, and definitely the most exercise!”

“The team at MyNEWPhilly is a joy to work with,” Zamarin said. “When you can collaborate on a shared vision with people that enjoy what they do as much as those guys, it’s impossible to not create something that you’re proud of.”

The first episode, aptly titled “The Intro”, sets the stage for the series and gives viewers a sense of what to expect moving forward. New episodes will be made available each of the next few weeks. Footage will include practice field interactions between players & coaches, off-field appearances by players, and coaches’ conversations about roster decisions, as well as footage from the Soul’s first away game of the season on April 14th in Albany, NY and the Home Opener in Philadelphia on April 21st. All available episodes can be seen anytime, on-demand, at www.PhiladelphiaSoul.com/3thehardway. The series is presented by Chima Steakhouse.

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Arena Football League Announces New Partnerships with DraftKings, Sportradar, Facebook and VSiN

Today, the Arena Football League announced new partnerships with DraftKings, Sportradar, Facebook and VSiN that together will put the AFL at the forefront of the fan gaming experience, and will mean a more interactive, dynamic game experience for AFL fans.

“The partnerships we’re announcing today give fans a whole new range of ways to get in on the action of arena football,” said Ron Jaworski, Chairman of the AFL Executive Committee. “Today, we’re bringing fans even closer to the game by giving them access to more data, creating more intensity in each individual moment of the game and introducing some cutting-edge gaming options.”

The AFL announces today that DraftKings will become the exclusive daily fantasy partner for the AFL. DraftKings will launch an AFL fantasy game and will stream AFL games through their app. Both the fantasy product and streaming capabilities are expected to launch for the 2019 AFL season. DraftKings will also become a league-wide marketing partner of the AFL.

“Combining daily fantasy and live streaming is a powerful combination for providing compelling content for our customers,” said Ezra Kucharz, Chief Business Officer at DraftKings. “We are confident that our customers will enjoy the fast pace of AFL games and the new daily fantasy sport contests the sport allows us to offer.”

Today, the AFL is also announcing a partnership with Swiss based Sportradar, one of the world's leading data providers to sports federations and leagues, media networks, and sports books. As part of this deal, Sportradar will build a new API for the AFL which can be licensed to new partners for the automated distribution of data. Sportradar’s AI platform for data-driven insights and zero-latency data products make it one of the premiere companies in the world for sports information.

“The Arena Football league is committed to delivering a modern and engaging fan experience, and we are very pleased to be part of that commitment,” said Jason Sukhraj, SVP of Business Development, Sportradar. “The AFL API is the first step in connecting more fans to the league and we look forward to working closely with the AFL on developing more innovative fan engagement solutions in the future.”

These partnerships will mean a tremendous boost in the amount of game and player data available to fans and will create even more intensity for fans around every moment of the game.

In addition to the new partnerships with DraftKings and Sportradar, the league is also announcing today new partnerships with Facebook and with Vegas Stats and Information Network, VSiN, a preeminent source for sports gambling news, data, analysis and content.

The partnership with Facebook calls for 12 games to be broadcast live in the U.S. on Facebook Watch and globally via the AFL show Page. The AFL will also leverage Facebook products, including Groups and Stories, to engage directly with its fans. The AFL’s Facebook strategy is aimed at growing its teams’ digital presences and tapping into the universe of potential fans who can be reached on the platform.

VSiN, through its partnership with the league, will create dynamic content that will give fans more data and information about teams, players, matchups and more, to make every fan a smarter, savvier sports consumer. Fans will be able to tune in to VSiN-produced pregame shows and segments each week that preview betting odds and trends, as well as other co-produced live content focused on in-game betting angles.

Together, these four new partnerships put the AFL on the cutting edge of gaming and live game viewership. The league is already expanding the limits of the fan viewing experience on the Monumental Sports Network through the use of innovative multi-camera technology Kiswe and hat camera technology ActionStreamer. Today’s announcements also make the league the premier professional sports destination for fans who want to do more than just watch a game. Now, they will have the chance to get in on the action.

The AFL season kicks off on Friday, April 13th when the Washington Valor host the Baltimore

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Arena Football League Announces New Commissioner, Returning Chairman of Executive Committee

The Arena Football League today announced the appointment of Randall Boe to be Commissioner and Ron Jaworski to be Chairman of the Executive Committee.

As Commissioner, Boe will run the league office and oversee all league operations. While serving as Commissioner, Boe will also remain in his position as Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Monumental Sports & Entertainment.

Jaworski, majority owner of the Philadelphia Soul, has been serving as Chairman of the Executive Committee for the past 3 months and will continue serving in this capacity. As Chairman, Jaworski will oversee football operations with the goal of ensuring that the caliber of play meets and exceeds the highest standards.

“Together, Ron and I are committed to developing the best fan experience for all arena football fans, and to making arena football one of the most cutting edge, technologically-advanced games in sports,” said Boe. “We are excited to bring in new partners to continue to grow and evolve this innovative league.”

“I am proud to continue working closely with some of the hardest working players I’ve ever been fortunate enough to work with,” said Jaworski. “Our game is fast, exciting and constantly finding new ways to integrate the latest technology in everything we do.”

Boe and Jaworski are succeeding Scott Butera, who is currently serving as Commissioner and will depart the league on March 31st.

“The Arena Football League is an outstanding organization that provides cutting edge fan experiences,” said Butera. “I am proud of our team’s ability to develop a platform for growth by creating financial stability and recruiting world class team ownership. I am fully confident in the league’s future success and ability to be the most innovative organization in sports. I will mostly miss the dedicated people who play and support the game and the energetic and loyal fans.”

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

THE ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE RETURNS TO ALBANY

The Arena Football League (AFL) will return to Albany, NY, with the team beginning play at the Times Union Center starting in the spring of 2018. The soon-to-be-named team marks the first time the city has been represented in the AFL since they left the market in 2000. The Arena Football League, founded in 1987, will be entering its 31st season of play in 2018.

The team will be owned and operated by a local group of businessmen including George Hearst III, Dan Nolan and Ed Swyer. The local group has partnered with the ownership group of the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League, led by Ron Jaworski, Dick Vermeil, Marques Colston, Jahri Evans and other Philadelphia area businessmen.

“I could not be more excited to be part of the group bringing Arena Football back to Albany,” said Albany AFL co-owner Dan Nolan. “We are bringing back a sport that has proven to be endeared by this city, and bringing it back with a great group of dynamic business leaders, football experts and all around great people.”

“Having the highest level of Arena Football back in the city of Albany is going to be amazing,” said team co-owner George Hearst III. “This team will be a pillar in the community for years to come. Our unique ownership group, which includes local passion with proven AFL and sports operating expertise ensures we will have the first-class business operation that this city deserves.”

Along with a dynamic ownership, both teams will be led by AFL veteran John Adams. Formerly the president of the Philadelphia Soul, Adams will lead both the Philadelphia and Albany operations. Under John’s leadership, each team also have a dedicated local staff with the Albany business office operating out of the Times Union Center.

The team is currently conducting a search for a head coach who will assemble a football staff and roster. The head coach will be announced at the team’s first public event, date to be announced shortly. In addition to the head coach announcement, the team will also announce the local business leader that will run the day to day operations from the offices at the Times Union Center, and fans will have an opportunity to select their season tickets with a select-a-seat event.

“Albany will have a winner on and off the field,” said team co-owner Ron Jaworski. “We will hire a top-notch football coach and this city will have a consistent winner. We will bring players to the roster that will be gentlemen off the field and fierce competitors on the field. The entertainment experience will be second to none, you won’t want to leave your seat!”

“The return of Arena Football to Albany will bring the excitement of football back to the Times Union Center and give fans an exciting brand of football next year,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “This is good news for downtown Albany and the region as we complete an extensive renovation to the arena which will enhance our fan experience and continue to attract new fans to downtown Albany.”

“I was fortunate to be able to see the Arena Football League experience first-hand when it was here from 1990-2000,” said Times Union Center general manager Bob Belber. “With the ownership group we have bringing this fast-paced league back and with the current renovations occurring at the Times Union Center, I have no doubt this is going to be everything it was and more. We’re getting something special back in Albany.”

“The Arena Football League is very pleased to welcome back the great city of Albany and are very proud to be working with great community leaders like Mr. Dan Nolan, Mr. George Hearst, Mr Ed Swyer and the entire ownership group,” said AFL Commissioner Scott Butera. “Albany is a great sports city with a vibrant, knowledgeable fan base. The AFL is dedicated to offering a complete sports-based entertainment experience catering to families and fans of all ages. I am certain the city will enjoy the AFL's focus on coupling an exciting, action packed sport with a 30-year history with cutting edge media, viewership and technology.”

The name of the team has yet to be selected. Fans can go to AlbanyAFL.com and submit a team name suggestion. Final choices will be selected and made available for fan vote. The winning name will be announced after the voting period. The person that submitted the team name that was ultimately selected will receive a special team prize pack.

Fans can secure their season tickets for the new Albany arena football team now with a $50 deposit per seat ($75 for VIP seats) by calling 518-533-2200 or by going to AlbanyAFL.com. A team representative will contact those that have submitted a deposit in the upcoming 1-2 weeks to select their specific seats, which will be done in the order in which deposits were received.