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Vegas Vacation
Looking to create a 'super' atmosphere, the Arena Football League
moves its championship game to Sin City.
10.18.04 - Las Vegas, NV – For the first time ever, AFL fans can purchase
tickets to the ArenaBowl well in advance of the game.
The Arena Football League has selected Las Vegas to host the first neutral-site championship game in its history, and ArenaBowl XIX will be played at the Thomas & Mack Center on June 12, 2005.
While four other cites (Phoenix, Tampa Bay, New Orleans, and Orlando) competed for the rights to host the game, Sin City was the obvious choice according to AFL Commissioner David Baker.
"Las Vegas is the nation's premier entertainment destination and we are proud it is hosting our inaugural neutral-site championship game," said Baker in a press conference to announce the decision.
The previous 18 ArenaBowls were held in the city of the team with the better record of the two squads playing in the title game. Thus, the host city was not determined until just days before the actual event.
A neutral-site championship game gives fans ample time to make plans to attend the game, and in fact, tickets for ArenaBowl XIX have already gone on sale.
Determining the location of the game in advance also gives NBC plenty of time to coordinate its TV broadcast and allows big spending corporate sponsors to plan for a Las Vegas excursion in June.
A 'Super' Party
With more than a week's notice to coordinate the game, AFL officials are eager to put together a unique sports and entertainment weekend, similar to what the National Football League does with the Super Bowl.
ArenaBowl Weekend will be filled with interactive, player and celebrity events, such as an awards show, concert, fan festivals, golf outing, all-star skills game and more.
"Regardless of who plays in the game, AFL fans are the real winners. By having ArenaBowl XIX in Las Vegas, we will plan more events around the game for a total entertainment weekend that fans will love." said Commissioner Baker.
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman was thrilled about the decision and remains confident that the AFL made the right choice.
"It is an honor that the Arena Football League has chosen Las Vegas as the destination for its championship game," said Goodman. "With the wonderful amenities and attractions that Las Vegas has to offer, there is no better place in the world to host events of this magnitude."
Despite the many positives for the league and the city, there is some apprehension whether the Thomas & Mack will be filled to capacity for the ArenaBowl.
Although the arena will seat about 17,000 for arena football, the Las Vegas Gladiators have averaged an actual attendance hovering between 6,500 and 7,500. This leads some to believe that local residents will be a less reliable source of ticket purchases.
In the past, ArenaBowl home teams have little difficulty filling their arenas for the championship, with a record attendance of more than 25,000 in Tampa Bay in 1995.
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