af2 expands to Toledo, OH for 2010

Monday September 22, 2008

Toledo Arena Sports, Inc. proudly announced on Monday that they have acquired an expansion arenafootball2 franchise and will begin play in the brand new Lucas County Downtown Arena in the spring of 2010.

The team (yet to be named) will play eight (8) regular season home games per season starting in 2010 in the 28-team league that spreads across 18 states.

“We (af2) are excited about the addition of this new team to the af2 family for 2010,” said af2 President Jerry Kurz. “I have the utmost confidence in this operating group’s commitment to run a top-notch organization both on and off the field for many years. I know the fans in the Toledo area will thoroughly enjoy the total entertainment experience of Arena Football.”

Toledo Arena Sports, Inc. Chairman of the Board Mike Miller said, “We are pleased to be part of the af2 as an expansion team. We are also excited about expanding professional sports in the community and continuing our mission of being affordable and fun for the entire family.”

Toledo Arena Sports, Inc. President Joe Napoli said, “We are very excited about Toledo becoming part of the Arena Football family.  After much research and due diligence, we have concluded that af2 is the proper fit and we look forward to introducing a fan-friendly and family oriented experience in the spring of 2010.”

"This is yet another exciting event the whole family can enjoy.  From hockey to football, circuses to concerts, the new arena will bring a wide variety of world-class entertainment right here to Downtown Toledo," said Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon-Wozniak.

"As a Downtown Toledo resident, I am so pleased that the af2 league will bring new people to our region's core. A top-rated arena football team, coupled with a fantastic new arena, means great success for our County," said Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop.

"Arena football has proven to be a great success in other cities, including Cleveland and Columbus, and I can't wait to see the fans come out in Lucas County as well.  There's no question that Arena football will be a great fit for this area," said Pete Gerken, Lucas County Commissioner.

“We are very excited that Toledo Arena Sports, Inc. has acquired an arena football franchise.  This is a perfect complement to the Walleye.  The new arena will be a dynamic, busy, exciting venue for Lucas County area residents.  And, Toledo Arena Sports, Inc. is the perfect organization to operate this franchise.  Plans for the Arena continue to be realized right on schedule,” said Thomas V. Chema, President of Gateway Consultants Group, Inc., the county’s project consultant.

About Toledo Arena Sports, Inc.:
Toledo Arena Sports, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that has been created to own and operate the new football franchise.  This will guarantee a stable football operation that will sign a long-term lease in the new Lucas County Arena.

 Net profits from the franchise operations will be dedicated to the mortgage on the Lucas County Arena.