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SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze is pleased to announce their return to EnergySolutions Arena in downtown Salt Lake for the 2011 season. The AFL franchise will kick off their season against the Tampa Bay Storm in the same home as the famous NBA Utah Jazz on Thursday, March 17th at 7:30 p.m. (MT).
The Blaze have made great strides throughout the 2010 offseason across various departments to provide fans with a premiere football experience. In addition to transferring ownership, they added former ArenaBowl Champion XXIII Offensive Coordinator Matthew Sauk to the coaching staff. Head Coach Ron James also made several key player signings including QB Tommy Grady (6-7, 245, Utah), WR Aaron Boone (6-2, 210, Kentucky), WR Brent Casteel (5-10, 200, Utah), DL Gabe Long (6-3, 290, Utah) and DL Caesar Rayford (6-5, 260, Washington).
"We are extremely excited about our return to EnergySolutions Arena and have nothing but appreciation for the gracious way everyone here has welcomed us and our vision for the future of the organization," said Blaze owner Logan Hunter. "The Blaze, and the entire AFL have made huge strides in bringing this amazing game back to the fans and we are excited to showcase our personal accomplishments this upcoming season. This is the final piece in providing our fans with a top-notch arena football experience."
Formerly known as the Delta Center, the EnergySolutions Arena was built in 1991 after several months of design and negotiation by Larry H. Miller. The entrepreneur had a specific vision for the Utah Jazz and constructed the multi-purpose home for his team. The Blaze spent the 2006-08 seasons at EnergySolutions Arena, where the Blaze set league attendance records averaging in excess of 12,000 per game.
"We welcome the Utah Blaze back to EnergySolutions Arena and are pleased to provide the Salt Lake community a premier venue to experience a professional football game," said Randy Rigby, president of Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment. "This renewed association reinforces the wide scope of entertainment opportunities that our facility offers, and we're excited for what the future holds."
EnergySolutions Arena is home to NBA Utah Jazz and now becomes the home of the Utah Blaze, in addition to many renowned concerts and events such as the Winter Olympics in 2002 and the American Idol auditions in 2008. It is recognized as the premier sports venue in the State of Utah and considered the best technically-equipped stadium within a five-state radius. The building seats 19,911 fans with 668 club seats and 56 luxury suites.
A press conference will be held Friday, January 28, 2011 at EnergySolutions Arena to formally announce the move.
ABOUT THE BLAZE
The Utah Blaze enter their fifth season in the Arena Football League in 2011 and were recipients of the Best Support Staff Award for the 2006 and 2007 seasons as recognized by the League office. The Blaze's home opener versus the Tampa Bay Storm is slated for Thursday, March 17th at 7:30 p.m. (MT) at EnergySolutions Arena. The Blaze are proud to be under new ownership and making notable strides in providing fans with a premier Arena Football experience. Make sure to follow the Blaze on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news on the team. 2011 Blaze Season Tickets are on SALE NOW! Call 888-99BLAZE to reserve your seat in the action or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.
