Post by Gene on Nov 6, 2007 6:56:33 GMT -5
Express’ opener vs. Baltimore to be aired by Simply Me TV
The game, set for March 8, will be syndicated nationally and also will be available on computers and cell phones.
By Brian Rippey
Reading Eagle
The Reading Express and the Sovereign Center will be in the national spotlight for the opening of the 2008 American Indoor Football Association season.
The Express’ opener with the Baltimore Mariners Saturday, March 8, in Reading will be televised nationally by Simply Me TV. The game will be syndicated nationally on independent stations and will be available on computers and cell phones.
“I’m excited because our first game will be nationally televised in Reading,” said Ted Lavender, owner of the Express along with his wife, Lisa. “That makes us feel very proud to be part of it.”
The Express also appeared on national television June 23 when it played in the AIFA championship game in Florence, S.C. The game, won by the Lakeland Thunderbolts, was available in Berks County on WFMZ-TV, Channel 69.
This season, Simply Me TV has purchased the rights to televise one AIFA game each week during the regular season and throughout the playoffs for $2.5 million. This year’s championship game will be played at the home site of the Eastern Conference champion, meaning Reading would host the game if it advances that far again.
The Lavenders, AIFA officials and a representative from Simply Me TV made the announcement Monday afternoon during a press conference outside the Sovereign Center.
“It’s only fitting to showcase Reading in the first game of the season,” AIFA president John Morris said.
The Express also finalized their 15-game 2008 scheduled that features a visit from Wyoming and a trip to Columbus, Ga. Baltimore, a member of the Southern Division last season, has moved to the Northern Division and will visit Reading twice as part of the Express’ eight-game home schedule.
Johnstown, Erie and Danville (Ill.), teams in the Northern Division last season, are no longer in the league. Ted Lavender said he expects Johnstown to rejoin the league in 2009 when Harrisburg also is scheduled to join the AIFA and play its home games in the Farm Show Building.
The Express also announced that Procak Associates has purchased the naming rights of the field in the Sovereign Center.
In addition, the team unveiled a blue and white engine that will be used in parades to represent the franchise and shoot T-shirts into the crowd during home games.
•Contact Brian Rippey at 610-371-5070 or brippey@readingeagle.com.
The game, set for March 8, will be syndicated nationally and also will be available on computers and cell phones.
By Brian Rippey
Reading Eagle
The Reading Express and the Sovereign Center will be in the national spotlight for the opening of the 2008 American Indoor Football Association season.
The Express’ opener with the Baltimore Mariners Saturday, March 8, in Reading will be televised nationally by Simply Me TV. The game will be syndicated nationally on independent stations and will be available on computers and cell phones.
“I’m excited because our first game will be nationally televised in Reading,” said Ted Lavender, owner of the Express along with his wife, Lisa. “That makes us feel very proud to be part of it.”
The Express also appeared on national television June 23 when it played in the AIFA championship game in Florence, S.C. The game, won by the Lakeland Thunderbolts, was available in Berks County on WFMZ-TV, Channel 69.
This season, Simply Me TV has purchased the rights to televise one AIFA game each week during the regular season and throughout the playoffs for $2.5 million. This year’s championship game will be played at the home site of the Eastern Conference champion, meaning Reading would host the game if it advances that far again.
The Lavenders, AIFA officials and a representative from Simply Me TV made the announcement Monday afternoon during a press conference outside the Sovereign Center.
“It’s only fitting to showcase Reading in the first game of the season,” AIFA president John Morris said.
The Express also finalized their 15-game 2008 scheduled that features a visit from Wyoming and a trip to Columbus, Ga. Baltimore, a member of the Southern Division last season, has moved to the Northern Division and will visit Reading twice as part of the Express’ eight-game home schedule.
Johnstown, Erie and Danville (Ill.), teams in the Northern Division last season, are no longer in the league. Ted Lavender said he expects Johnstown to rejoin the league in 2009 when Harrisburg also is scheduled to join the AIFA and play its home games in the Farm Show Building.
The Express also announced that Procak Associates has purchased the naming rights of the field in the Sovereign Center.
In addition, the team unveiled a blue and white engine that will be used in parades to represent the franchise and shoot T-shirts into the crowd during home games.
•Contact Brian Rippey at 610-371-5070 or brippey@readingeagle.com.
