Spalding, a division of Russell Corporation, and the Arena Football League (AFL) announced an agreement that will make Spalding the exclusive provider of the AFL's official game ball, beginning with the 2004 season which kicks off in February. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
As part of the four-year agreement, the AFL's Board of Directors approved
Spalding's innovative new design for the game ball that is expected to add
even greater excitement to the already high-scoring league by making it easier
for receivers, defenders and, especially the fans, to locate and follow the
ball during game action. The ball features a bright new look that meets all
AFL competitive specifications for size, weight and construction.
The light brown Horween leather Spalding AFL game ball is manufactured
using a proprietary 'tanned-in-tack' process and features a blue 'S' stripe
that adds visual clarity, and blue 'crosshairs' on each end. The stripe and
cross-haired tips allow players downfield to quickly locate the center of the
ball in flight against dark backdrops common at indoor arenas. Tests by AFL
players, officials and broadcast personnel from NBC, which holds exclusive
broadcast rights for AFL national telecasts, brought overwhelming endorsement
of the ball's ability to be located easier by the naked eye and through the
camera lens.
“The Spalding AFL game ball is the latest design in our company's rich
history of innovation and we're thrilled it will be central to one of
America's most exciting games,” said Scott Creelman, president of Spalding.
“We've been overwhelmed by the excitement people involved with the AFL at
every level have shown for the ball and we're confident the great fans of the
AFL will be equally excited when the games kick off in February.”
“First and foremost, the new Spalding AFL game ball maintains the
competitive integrity of our football, while improving in areas that are
unique to our pass-oriented game, such as visual clarity and the addition of
the crosshairs,” said AFL Commissioner David Baker. “We're also thrilled to
have a marketing partner such as Spalding who is an industry leader that will
help bring the AFL to a whole new audience.”
“We're looking forward to broadcasting AFL games this year with the new
Spalding football,” said Tommy Roy, executive producer, NBC Sports. “We've
tested the ball and were very pleased with its on-camera appearance. The
ball's color and design will make it easier to see indoors and will enhance
the television viewing experience for those watching at home.”
Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden, who moonlights as an assistant
coach for his brother Jon Gruden and the Super Bowl-champion Tampa Bay
Buccaneers, tested the ball and gave it a rave review. “A group of
professional football players tested the ball and found it to be the same
quality and performance of our previous ball,” said Gruden. “In addition, the
appearance of the ball is very eye-catching and I feel AFL fans will be
extremely receptive to it.”
Fans will get their first opportunity to see the new game ball when the
2004 AFL on NBC season kicks-off, Sunday, February 8 with the ArenaBowl XVII
Champion Tampa Bay taking on Orlando, its bitter rival, in Tampa Bay.
The Spalding AFL football will be available at retail outlets in January
2004. As part of the four-year agreement, Spalding has made a significant
advertising and marketing commitment, including both consumer and retail
marketing and media support.
