Saginaw Sting joins 11 other teams from eastern and southern parts of the nation in Continental Indoor Football League. Arena Football Comes to Tri-Cities: Saginaw Sting 7-Man March Kickoff Set
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The Dow Chemical Co. is stepping up to the plate to hit another home run for development of local attractions.
After the stunning success of the Mid-Michigan Loons baseball team and the world-class Loons Stadium, Dow is at it again.
This time it's arena football, a concept that MyBayCity.com staff members have long yearned for in this football-crazy area.
The Dow will host indoor football this spring with the Saginaw Sting preparing for six home games and six games on the road in the year-old Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL).
SMG Management/The Dow Event Center announced the addition of an arena indoor football team to The Dow that officials said "will add to the community's quality of life and to the choice of entertainment available for the residents of the tri-county area."
The motivation for Dow's heavy investment in quality of life projects is said to be the need to make the tri-city area more like large metro areas in the quest to attract talented employees.
James Wade, Jr, General Manager of The Dow introduced Mike Johnson, Owner/General Manager who announced the team name, Saginaw Sting and introduced Karl Featherstone as Head Coach.
Featherstone was named CIFL Coach of the Year in 2006 after he led the Port Huron Pirates to an undefeated regular season (12-0). His leadership helped the Pirates become the first team in professional football history to complete back-to-back undefeated regular seasons. Included in those 12 victories were two over the eventual 2007 CIFL champion Rochester Raiders early in the season.
"Karl is dedicated to what he does and he showed his true grit and character in holding together the team after the Pirates left Port Huron for Flint at the end of the regular season," said CIFL co-founder Jeff Spitaleri. "He's a true class act and it's an honor to have him coaching in this league."
Mr. Featherstone, 43, of St. Clair Shores, was named by owners Mike Johnson, Mike Trumbull and Esteban Rivera.
The Sting's 2008 inaugural season begins in March and runs through June with playoffs.
The 50-yard field will be set up in the Wendler Arena at The Dow. The 7-on-7 concept has been a success with the fans, with game scoring averaging 81.5 points.
"If a ball is thrown into the crowd at any time, that ball may be kept by the fan who catches it," states the league's promotional material.
Teams are: Rochester (NY) Raiders; Chicago (IL) Slaughter; Milwaukee (WI) Bonecrushers; Muskegon (MI) Thunder; New England Surge; New Jersey Revolution; Marion (OH) Mayhem; Miami Valley (OH) Silverbacks; Lehigh Valley (PA) Outlawz; Kalamazoo (MI) Explosion; Chesapeake (VA) Tide.
Ticket pricing is expected to run from $6 to $14 and is touted as "an exciting family event for all who participate."
Season tickets sales are expected in December as soon as the CIFL finalizes their game schedule. Team tryouts will be held in January 2008 along with dance team auditions.
More information may be obtained from the website, www.saginawsting.com or by visiting The Dow website, www.DowEventCenter.com.
Sponsorship opportunities are available and more information may be obtained through Regina Brown-Demski, The Dow Event Center or Stephanie Krieger, North Star Marketing.
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