Antonio and Eddie Brown Named Honorary Captains for Inaugural Game
Tuesday April 3, 2018
Antonio in Attendance to Support “Touchdown” Eddie Brown’s Special Night
ALBANY, NY – The Albany Empire announce that All-Pro NFL wide receiver, Antonio Brown, will be in attendance for the team’s inaugural game on April 14. Antonio and his father, “Touchdown” Eddie Brown have been named honorary captains for the game. They will both be announced and accompany the team’s captains for the coin toss at mid field.
The Empire will honor AFL legend, “Touchdown” Eddie Brown, at halftime as they retire his number 17 into the rafters of the Times Union Center. Antonio will be right by his fathers’ side as an honorary captain while the Empire pay homage to the former Firebird great.
“I’m excited to join my dad for his special day in Albany as he gets his number retired,” said Antonio Brown. “I was introduced to the game of football watching my dad light it up on the Arena Football Field in Albany and I can’t wait to get back and relive some memories.”
“Eddie was the most electrifying player that this game has ever seen,” said Rob Keefe, Head Coach of the Albany Empire. “Retiring Eddie’s number will be a special moment for the Capital Region and Albany fans as they reminisce on the days of the Albany Firebirds and his greatness.”
Also at halftime, returning to its rightful place will be the 1999 Albany Firebirds championship banner in the rafters of the Times Union Center. Members from the 1999 team will be in attendance and honored with Eddie.
“It’s important to pay tribute to the team and players that paved the way for the Albany Empire,” said George Manias, Vice President of Business Operations. “The Firebirds were so important to the people of the Capital Region. We believe these events need to occur as we start our own Empire memories!”
Don’t miss your opportunity to witness history as Arena Football returns to Albany! Fans can secure their single game tickets for the Albany Empire’s inaugural game at TheAlbanyEmpire.com. Also available are 2018 season tickets, flex packs, group outings and inaugural game family 4 packs at 518-533-2200 or at www.TheAlbanyEmpire.com!
Albany Empire 2018 Inaugural Season Presented By CDPHP.
About Albany Empire
The Arena Football League’s newest franchise, The Albany Empire will begin play on April 14, 2018 at the Times Union Center. Season memberships for the inaugural 2018 season are on sale now. For tickets, contact the Albany Empire sales department at (518) 533-2200 or by going to TheAlbanyEmpire.com. Follow the team on Facebook at facebook.com/TheAlbanyEmpire and Twitter at twitter.com/Albany_Empire.
About Arena Football League
The Arena Football League will enter its 31st Season in 2018. 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. Teams slated for 2018 include: Albany, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. CBS Sports Network nationally broadcasts AFL games each week, culminating with the ArenaBowl. The AFL launched AFLNow, the League’s streaming “Over-the-Top” network to give fans even more access to the League on arenafootball.com. For all the latest news and discussion on the Arena Football League follow the AFL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@aflarenaball)
About Times Union Center
Albany’s Times Union Center, formerly Pepsi Arena, continues to have great success. Renamed in January 2007, the The Times Union Center is “Upstate New York’s Premier Sports and Entertainment Facility. Owned by Albany County and operated by SMG, the world’s largest private management firm for public assembly facilities, the Times Union Center has an adaptable seating capacity between 6,000 and 17,500. Since Frank Sinatra christened the building on January 30, 1990, more than seven million patrons have walked through the turnstiles. As a multi-purpose facility, the Times Union Center has hosted a variety of events, including concerts, family shows and sporting events, averaging 165 events each year.
About CDPHP®
Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 24 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram.
