Arena Football League (AFL) - Kickoff Weekend 2004- On MLN Sports Zone

Something Old, Something New for AFL In 2004
War on I-4, expansion duel, highlight kickoff weekend for the Arena Football League.

02.05.04 – Nineteen teams, including four new markets, highlight Week 1 of the Arena Football League's 18th regular-season schedule, which begins Thursday, February 5.

The defending champion Tampa Bay Storm and seven-time ArenaBowl winning head coach Tim Marcum kick off their title defense by renewing the “War on I-4” with a rematch of last season's Semifinal against six-time ArenaBowl champion Jay Gruden and the Orlando Predators at St. Pete Times Forum on Sunday, February 8 in Week 1.

Gruden will look to former Georgia Tech standout Joey Hamilton to lead the Predators offense, while Marcum will have Shane Stafford back as the starter after last starting for the Storm in 2002.

The expansion Philadelphia Soul, co-owned by Jon Bon Jovi, make their debut by hosting the expansion New Orleans VooDoo, who are operated by New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson, on Sunday, February 8 at Wachovia Center. The VooDoo's first home game will come against the Indiana Firebirds on Saturday, February 14 in Week 2.

The 2004 season begins with the Detroit Fury hosting the San Jose SaberCats on Thursday, February 5 and culminates with the ArenaBowl XVIII on Sunday, June 27.

The expansion Austin Wranglers, who have a bye in Week 1, travel to Orlando on February 13 in Week 2 for their first game. The Destroyers, who relocated from Buffalo to Columbus, will play their first game with head coach Earle Bruce at Indiana on Saturday, February 7 in Week 1.

Getting the AFL's first week started will be San Jose at Detroit on Thursday; followed by Las Vegas at Colorado on Friday, and Columbus at Indiana on Saturday.

On Sunday, Los Angeles at Arizona, Grand Rapids at Chicago, New York at Georgia, New Orleans at Philadelphia, Orlando at Tampa Bay and Carolina at Dallas conclude week 1.

AFL Must-See Matchups: Week 1