Today in AFL History - August 18th

2002 - San Jose, CA : ArenaBowl XVI: A total of 16,942 spectators turn out to witness the home-town San Jose SaberCats spank the Arizona Rattlers, 52-14, to win their first Arena Football League title.

2000 - Dallas, TX : Jerry Jones is awarded an AFL expansion franchise to begin play in 2002. The team will be known as the Dallas Desperados.

1989 - Detroit, MI : ArenaBowl III: The Detroit Drive win their second consecutive ArenaBowl title with a 39-26 decision over the Pittsburgh Gladiators in front of 12,046 at Joe Louis Arena. Drive ER/DB George LaFrance is selected MVP with the Gladiators' Cornelius Ross named ironman.

Game Results (3 games)
Home Team		Away Team		Attendance
1989
Detroit Drive	39	Pittsburgh Gladiators	26	12,046
1995
Tampa Bay Storm	56	Albany Firebirds	49	11,288
2002
San Jose SaberCats	52	Arizona Rattlers	14	16,942