News - 09/23/2003

Arena Football League - Philadelphia Soul

AFL gets Soul in Philadelphia

Rock-n-roll icon Jon Bon Jovi and business mogul Craig A. Spencer have given the city of Brotherly Love some Soul with the Arena Football League’s newest franchise. The Philadelphia Soul is scheduled to kickoff in February of 2004 and will split its home games between The Spectrum and the Wachovia Center.

The Philadelphia Soul will host a public rally to celebrate the city and launch the team on Tuesday, September 23 outside the Spectrum from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Activities will include music, giveaways and ceremonies including Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, Philadelphia Mayor John Street, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Heather Locklear, Craig A. Spencer, general manager Joe Hennessy and head coach Mike Trigg.

To reserve season or individual game tickets, fans can call 1-888-Phil-AFL starting Tuesday, September 23. To keep up with the latest information on the Philadelphia Soul, log on to the team’s official website at www.philadelphiasoul.com.

“The AFL is exciting to me as a fan and an owner,” said Jon Bon Jovi. “We’re bringing action-packed football to fans in Philadelphia, a huge sports town. What I find so appealing about the AFL is the focus on the love of the game and our goal to provide solid sports and entertainment that’s fun, affordable and family-friendly. Plus, with the visibility of the sport on NBC, the Philadelphia Soul and the league as a whole have the potential to really grow.”

“The Philadelphia Soul is the culmination of a lot of planning and hard work by people who believe in the sport of arena football and the ability of a professional sports team to be a positive force in the city in which it plays,” said Craig A. Spencer. “The ‘Soul’ will be a part of not just the sports community but also the larger community of Philadelphia. What sets the AFL apart from any other major league sport is the relationship between the teams and their fans. The Fans’ Bill of Rights is not just words; it is the heart and SOUL of the AFL. We believe there is no better sports city in the country and as a Philadelphian, I am so proud to be able to bring the Soul to Philadelphia.”

“Philadelphia is the greatest football city in America. I am absolutely thrilled to be associated with a group of people who want to bring quality professional football to Philadelphia and who are committed to winning,” said Ron Jaworski. “I am really excited to be involved with Jon Bon Jovi, Craig A. Spencer, Joe Hennessy, Michael Trigg and the entire staff.”

“There are four qualities that make for a legendary sports experience – venue, ownership, a good team and great fans. The Soul will play in one historic venue and one state-of-the-art venue. With members including Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Craig A. Spencer and Ron Jaworski, the Philadelphia Soul ownership is comprised of leaders in the worlds of entertainment, business and professional football. Head coach Mike Trigg is a proven AFL winner, garnering an ArenaBowl championship with the Grand Rapids Rampage. And the reputation of Philadelphia fans is unparalleled. They are intelligent, inspired and hungry for a winner. These ingredients add up to what I believe promises to be an outstanding sports experience. Welcome to rock-and-roll football,” said Commissioner David Baker.”

The Philadelphia Soul will become the 18th team in the Arena Football League and the second expansion team to join this offseason, the New Orleans VooDoo was announced in May. Other markets interested in AFL teams for 2005 are Boston, Nashville owned by Titans owner Bud Adams and Washington, owned by Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder. A team for Austin, Texas has been approved to play in 2004 pending the ownership group signs an arena lease, which they are currently working to secure.

About The AFL

Often recognized as one of the nation’s most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League kicks off its 18th season in February of 2004. On the strength of its Mission Statement and Fans’ Bill of Rights, the AFL is America’s fastest growing sport. Two expansion teams have been added for the 2004 season – with a third on the way – and at least two more teams will be added in each of the next two seasons. A network-TV sport, the AFL will celebrate its second season on NBC in 2004.