The Baltimore Blackbirds, the new American Indoor Football Association team, met with 1st Mariner Arena officials Monday to add more home games to the team?s schedule.
A spokesperson for the arena could not confirm exactly how many game dates were added, but it should be more than the twothat were originally listed on the Blackbirds? Web site.
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The spokesperson confirmed that there are tentatively scheduled dates in March, April, May and June for the new team. The team originally was scheduled to close the season May 25 against the Tallahassee Titans.
The 11,000-seat arena is currently home to the Major Indoor Soccer League?s Baltimore Blast and serves as the city?s chief entertainment venue.
“We?re thrilled to have arena football coming to Baltimore,” the spokesperson said.
The Blackbirds open their season March 10 on the road against the Reading (Pa.) Express and are scheduled for their first home game March 31 against the Carolina Speed.
Attempts to reach Blackbirds general manager John Wolfe to confirm the home dates were unsuccessful, but Wolfe has said in the past that he wanted to expand the home schedule.
Other AIFA teams have begun their seasons, while the Blackbirds will likely announce their final roster tomorrow. The team has been in training camp for the last two weeks. During the season, the team will carry 20 active players and 10 on the practice squad, as well. Indoor football features eight players on the field, as opposed to the NFL?s 11.
In other team news, ESPN 1300 radio personality Damon “The Bulldog” Yaffe said Monday on the “Mark Viviano Show” that he was named the Blackbirds? director of player personnel. Yaffe, who is also serving as an assistant coach for the Blackbirds and has been an assistant coach for the Boys? Latin football team in recent years, did not return phone calls for comment.
Yaffe said on the air Monday that contracts would be week-to-week for players. He also noted that he would offer weekly tryouts for anyone who wanted to be on the team.
