Austin Wranglers

May 7

Wranglers Bring Fans to the Action

The Arena Football League didn't always have as bright a future as it does now, though Austin residents have only seen the upside, considering the Wranglers two-year history to date. The AFL is no longer seen as the NFL's odd and distant relative. In its 19th season, the league has found a niche with more corporate partners and media exposure than ever.

One reason for the increased media exposure is the presence of celebrities. The Arena League has several prominent people, including NFL personalities, who have an ownership stake in the teams: John Elway and Mike Ditka, as well as musicians like Jon Bon Jovi and Tim McGraw. The AFL believes they are reaching younger fans who will become NFL fans and if the scene at the Erwin Center is any indication, league executives might be on to something.

The Austin Wranglers are winding down their 2005 campaign this month. Now in their second season, many Wrangler fans have come to realize that this unique sporting and entertainment spectacle has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it's the fast-paced and in-your-face contact, the post-game autograph sessions, the quick scoring, the on-field promotions, the Lady Wranglers dance team, or a chance to catch a football, the Arena League is a one of a kind experience.

In the AFL, fans become the stars, and the Wranglers have several different ways to put you right in the middle of the action. Take a look at the Jumbotron - the fans are up there almost as much as the players on the field! At times it is hard to tell whether the event is a rock concert or football game with the deafening noise in the stands. The team works hard to provide a fun, energetic experience. Fan interaction is a key aspect of the game and can make the Erwin Center a very intimidating venue to compete in.

The loudest, rowdiest and craziest fans sit on the sidelines right behind the opposing team's bench at each Wranglers game. For rabid fans who like to apply face paint, dress in costume and get fired up before coming down to the Erwin Center, the Rowdy Wranglers is the group for you. If you're dressed in Wranglers gear and are loud and crazy enough, you may be chosen to sit amongst the Rowdies. If you forget to dress up beforehand, there's a face painting table in the arena.

The indoor game is a unique hybrid of football played on the dimensions of a hockey rink. No other professional sport allows you to get so close to the action that you can literally reach out and touch a player as they run by. Be on the look out though, because a tackler just might come flying over the dasher boards and into your lap! With such a close proximity between the players and fans, incomplete passes often fly into the stands. Spectators are allowed the keep the footballs and take them home as a souvenirs.

No sporting event would be complete without a mascot and dance team to get the arena charged. In the case of the Wranglers, both Blaze and the Red Eye Wrangler are hard at work. Blaze is a 7'5” horse and Red Eye is a 8'1” cowboy.

The Lady Wranglers are always on the move with new dance routines during stoppages in play. The current squad includes eleven returning members and five first-time dance team members. The group practices several times a week to entertain fans with new and complex routines.

In addition, you may have a chance to entertain other fans yourself! From a tortilla toss to a tent relay race, the promotional contests are fun to watch and compete in. Don't forget to stick around after the end of the game to get an autograph and talk with your favorite Wrangler.

The Wranglers return to action at the Erwin Center on Saturday, May 7th, as they look for revenge from an early season loss to the Orlando Predators. The game is the 2005 home finale for Austin.

On May 8th, the Wranglers will be back at the Erwin Center to thank their season ticket holders with an end-of-season bash, Fan Fiesta! All devoted fans will take home Rowdy towels, and a lucky few will also take home game-worn apparel. The Lady Wranglers will give a special performance and the coaches will have chalk talks and give locker room tours (everyone should be wearing more than a towel!) If you're going to this event you might want to bring your autograph book - the players and Lady Wranglers alike will be giving their autographs.

The AFL will wrap up its season with the Arena Bowl, set to be held June 12th in Las Vegas.

2005 Austin Wranglers Schedule
Home games are in bold

Week - Date - Opponent - Arena - Time

15 - Saturday, May 7 - Orlando Predators - Frank Erwin Center - 7:30 p.m.

16 - Saturday, May 14 - New Orleans Voodoo - New Orleans Arena - 7:00 p.m.

Single game tickets for the Austin Wranglers at the Frank Erwin Center are ON SALE NOW at all Texas Box Office Outlets (includes H-E-B stores in Austin, Bastrop, Bee Caves, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Round Rock, and San Marcos; Ft. Hood Blg. # 136 and Renaissance Records in Killeen), charge-by-phone at 512/477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or order online at TexasBoxOffice.com. Group Discounts are available. Call (512)491-6600 for group discount information. Convenience charges may apply. All information subject to change. The Frank Erwin Center is a smoke-free facility. Convenient parking is available within walking distance in nearby state and University lots. For more information, call 512/471-7744. uterwincenter.com