AF2 ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE HEADS TO VEGAS FOR CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

While the Arena Football League has all but shut down with its future very much in doubt, the smaller AF2 league continues to flourish.  Originally created as something of a developmental league, thanks to franchises in smaller markets with fewer entertainment options, a more realistic salary structure and a sound business model AF2 may be soon find itself in the strange position of having outlived it’s ‘major league’ counterpart.  The league made another step toward establishing its own identity on Wednesday when it was announced that their 2009 championship game would be held in Las Vegas.

The AF2 championship—dubbed the ‘ArenaCup’—has been held at neutral site venues before but clearly Las Vegas offers amenities and opportunities that some of the previous Arena Cup sites do not.  In the past, the ‘neutral sites’ chosen to host the event ranged from the curious (Bossier City, Louisiana) to the downright bizarre (San Juan, Puerto Rico).  The move to Las Vegas will make for a better experience for players and the fans of the team that attend the game.  Furthermore, it’s certain to attract greater media attention as the AF2 tries to forge ahead with the ‘parent’ Arena Football League in limbo.

The game will be held at the 9500 seat Orleans Arena located inside the Orleans Hotel and Casino.  The venue hosts numerous concerts and special events, and is the home ice of the Las Vegas Wranglers minor league hockey team.  Ironically, the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena Football League moved to the Orleans Arena from the MGM Grand Garden in 2007 before relocating to Cleveland, OH. 

AF2 President Jerry Kurz offered these thoughts on the move in a press release:

“We are excited to bring the ArenaCup to Las Vegas where we know it will be a first-class event from top to bottom. Our owners were in total agreement as well. They saw the value in bringing our league’s season-ending, showcase event to arguably the biggest showcase city in the world. In addition, our fans are going to be treated to a unique, total entertainment experience from touchdown to takeoff.”

The Orleans Hotel and Casino is located just off the Las Vegas strip and is owned by Boyd Gaming, owners of six casinos in the area.  Boyd also owned the Stardust Hotel and Casino until it was demolished to make way for a larger property to be called ‘Echelon’.  Echelon has been partially constructed on the old Stardust site, but work was halted in August 2008 due to the weakness in the economy and particularly in the credit markets.  Despite this setback, Boyd has weathered the downturn in Las Vegas business better than many of its competitors and is currently working on a deal to acquire some of the assets of the Stations Casino chain. 

Orleans Arena Darren Davis provided this statement welcoming the ArenaCup to his facility:

"We are honored to host the 10th anniversary of af2's premier event. Our property is excited for the opportunity to welcome and showcase our unique city to af2 fans from across the country."

The game will take place on August 22, and a number of activities for players and fans have been planned for the weekend.  Last year’s Arena Cup pitted the Tennessee Valley Vipers (who, curiously, are based in Huntsville, Alabama) against the host Spokane Shock with the Vipers winning 56-55 in overtime.