News
February 14, 2018Arena Football League Kicks Off 2018 Season with New Playoff Rules, More Ticket Options for Fans
Today, the Arena Football League announced its 2018 schedule along with some exciting new playoff rule changes that guarantee the excitement of a home playoff game in every city and a new League-Wide Pass ticket that will give fans a chance to experience the fun of arena football on the road.
“Arena football is one of the fastest, most engaging games out there,” said Ron Jaworski, Chairman of the AFL Executive Committee. “We are excited to announce some exciting changes for the 2018 season that we believe will bring fans even closer to the game — both at home and on the road. These changes guarantee the excitement of a home playoff game in every city, and give fans a chance to experience the fun of an away game.”
More detail on these changes, as well as some exciting new league partnerships, will be announced in the coming weeks.
New Playoff Rules
The Arena Football League also announces today, some significant changes to its playoff rules. For the first time ever, the league will open the 2018 playoffs with a two-game home and home playoff series. The highest seeded team for each matchup will have the option to select their home date weekend in the playoff series. If the same team wins both postseason games of the home and home series, that team will advance to ArenaBowl XXXI. In the event that the series ends in a 1-1 tie, the team with the highest aggregate score in the series will advance. Should the aggregate score of the series be tied at the end of regulation of the 2nd game, the teams will immediately play a standard format overtime period to determine which team advances. The champion of the Arena League will still be crowned in a traditional head-to-head matchup in ArenaBowl XXXI.
The competition committee also expects to make changes to game play that will shorten the duration of games and speed up the pace of play. This will be done in an effort to create an even more engaging and explosive game, and improve the game day experience for our fans. Specific rule changes as it relates to game play will be announced at a later date.
New League-Wide Pass Ticketing
This year, when fans purchase season tickets for their hometown team, they will also receive complimentary tickets in each of the opposing teams’ markets. This new League-Wide Pass will give fans an opportunity to see and support their team on the road, and experience the fun of arena football in each of our great AFL cities.
Flex Pack Tickets
A limited number of Flex Packs are on sale now for the Empire’s inaugural season! The eight game flex packs give fans the flexibility to attend the games they want to see most without having to worry about a ticket going unused. Flex Packs consist of eight vouchers that can be redeemed for any regular season home game. The vouchers offer savings off individual game tickets and can be used in multiple combinations, such as: eight seats for one game, four seats for two games, etc. Flex packs can be redeemed in advance at the Albany Empire Office located at the Times Union Center, or on game days at the Times Union Center Box Office.
Family Four Packs
The Albany Empire are now offering Family Four Packs for the inaugural game on April 14th at the Times Union Center. This is the fans first opportunity to purchase tickets for the team’s inaugural game before single game tickets go on sale to the public. The package includes: four tickets to the inaugural game and four food vouchers. The vouchers can be redeemed for four sodas, and a choice of either a soft pretzel, popcorn or hotdog. This package offers significant food and beverage savings for the Albany Empire’s historic inaugural game.
Pearl Street Block Parties
Along with the release of the league schedule, the Albany Empire also announce the return of the Arena Football Block Parties, presented by Miller Lite and Heineken. Three hours prior to home games, South Pearl Street, located directly in front of the Times Union Center, will close to traffic and open to Albany Empire fans of all ages. The block parties will feature live music and DJ’s, fan interactive areas, food and beverage vendors, a kid zone and much more. B95.5, 100.9 The Cat and 100.7 WHUD are partnering with The Albany Empire and will help program and promote the festivities prior to each Empire home game.
“Ever since we announced the return of the AFL to Albany, the most asked question from the community has been, ‘are we bringing back the block parties?’ Well I am happy to announce that; indeed, we are!” said George Manias, Vice President of Business Operations for the Albany Empire. “With great partners like DeCresente and Albany Broadcasting on board, we will take our block parties to a whole new level!”
“DeCrescente Distributing Company is proud to support the Albany Empire and thrilled to partner with the team to bring back the Albany block parties, where friends and families can relax and enjoy downtown Albany and an Empire game together,” said Kate Otis, Director of Communications at DeCrescente Distributing Company.
“Albany Broadcasting is thrilled to show our support for the Albany Empire by partnering with them on their home game block parties this season,” said AJ Bodden, General Manager at Albany Broadcasting. “Being a locally owned and operated company, our ownership and staff remain dedicated to supporting the local community through our involvement in family friendly events that allow us to bring our listeners, clients and staff closer together in a fun and festive setting. Go Empire!”
Fans can secure their season tickets for the Albany Empire’s inaugural season now by calling 518-533-2200 or by going to TheAlbanyEmpire.com. A team representative will contact those that purchased season tickets within 24 business hours to select their specific seats. As announced above, flex packs and inaugural game Family Four Packs on sale now at www.TheAlbanyEmpire.com!
Albany Empire’s 2018 Inaugural Season is Presented By CDPHP.
ALBANY EMPIRE 2018 FULL SCHEDULE:
| WEEK | DATE | OPPONENT | VENUE | TIME |
| 1 | Sat., April 14 | vs. Philadelphia Soul | Times Union Center | 7 p.m. |
| 2 | Sat., April 21 | @ Washington Valor | Capital One Arena | 7 p.m. |
| 3 | Sat., April 28 | @ Baltimore Brigade | Royal Farms Arena | 3 p.m. |
| 4 | Sat., May 5 | vs. Washington Valor | Times Union Center | 7:30 p.m. |
| 5 | BYE | BYE | BYE | BYE |
| 6 | Sat., May 19 | @ Philadelphia Soul | Wells Fargo Center | 6 p.m. |
| 7 | Sat., May 26 | vs. Washington Valor | Times Union Center | 6 p.m. |
| 8 | Sat., June 2 | vs. Baltimore Brigade | Times Union Center | 7 p.m. |
| 9 | Sat., June 9 | vs. Baltimore Brigade | Times Union Center | 7 p.m. |
| 10 | Sat., June 16 | vs. Philadelphia Soul | Times Union Center | 6 p.m. |
| 11 | Sat., June 23 | @ Baltimore Brigade | Royal Farms Arena | 7:30 p.m. |
| 12 | Fri., June 29 | @ Washington Valor | Capital One Arena | 7 p.m. |
| 13 | Sat., July 7 | vs. Philadelphia Soul | Times Union Center | 7 p.m. |
