Arena Football League brings pro football back to Portland

Wednesday October 2, 2013

 Portland Expansion Franchise to begin play in 2014

PORTLAND, OR – This spring, pro football will make its return to the Rose City for the first time since 1999. Arena Football League Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz addressed the media today at the Moda Center, announcing plans for a new Portland franchise that will begin play during the 2014 season. Kurz was joined by Portland team owner Terry W. Emmert, CEO of Clackamas-based Emmert International, an engineered transport and structural relocation company specializing in ultra-heavy duty transit.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to bring professional football not only to the Portland community, but to the entire state of Oregon,” Emmert stated. “Sports fans in this state are used to seeing a high-energy, fast-paced brand of football. The Arena Football League delivers that kind of excitement in a unique and affordable family setting.”

“The Northwest has a rich history of energetic fans and dynamic talent,” Kurz said. “Some of our highest viewership for ArenaBowl XXVI was in Portland so we could not be more excited to have a franchise here once again.”

The Moda Center has partnered with the Portland franchise to provide a home for the Arena Football League’s newest member. Portland will kick off its inaugural season in March of 2014, hosting a nine-game home schedule at the city’s premier venue for sporting events. Season tickets start at just $99 and are available for purchase by visiting PortlandAFL.com.

“Arena Football is an innovative game that combines the excitement of the gridiron sport with the energy of a rock concert,” Emmert explained. “The environment gives the audience the opportunity to experience the action up-close and personal. For the price of going to the movies, the people of Portland can enjoy professional football in the unique, fan-friendly setting of the AFL.”

Arena Football pits two eight-man teams against one another on a 50-yard indoor field, resulting in high scores and an unparalleled pace. The playing area is surrounded by foam-padded walls that ensure plenty of big hits and high-flying action. When a ball is thrown or bounces into the crowd, the lucky fan that catches the ball gets to keep it.

The franchise also announced that the community will have a say in deciding the name of Portland’s newest professional sports team. Fans can log on to PortlandAFL.com for more information on the team naming contest.

For the latest news and information, visit PortlandAFL.com or facebook.com/PDXAFL and follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@portlandafl).

About the AFL

Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased a fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. CBS Sports Network will broadcast an AFL National Game of the Week on Saturday nights for the entire season. The AFL schedule then culminates with the ArenaBowl Championship game pitting the American Conference Champions versus the National Conference Champions for the James F. Foster Trophy.