Grand rapids Rampage Are Ready To Do Some Rampaging With Announcement Of 2008 Schedule

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com – GRAND RAPIDS – With a new coaching staff in place and new players being added every day, the Grand Rapids Rampage now know their new schedule for the upcoming 2008 season. West Michigan’s very own Arena Football League team will face a tough test early, taking on the past two ArenaBowl champions – the San Jose SaberCats and the Chicago Rush – in its first two games.

Following a Week 1 bye, the Rampage will welcome the SaberCats to Centennial Wireless Field at Van Andel Arena on March 10. Just four short days later, Grand Rapids will play host to the defending Central Division champion Chicago Rush. The SaberCats captured ArenaBowl XVI last season with a 55-33 victory over the Columbus Destroyers, while the Rush won the title in 2006 after defeating the Orlando Predators, 69-61.

“We’re very excited to have the defending champs come into our building to start the season,” said Rampage General Manager Scott Woodruff. “Our goal is to win championships, and to be the best you have to welcome the opportunity to play the best.”

The 2008 Rampage schedule also includes home tilts against the Los Angeles Avengers (March 30), who recently signed former Grand Rapids receiver Timon Marshall, and Orlando (April 13), who last stopped in West Michigan in 2002. Grand Rapids will, as always, play host to its Central Division foes Chicago, the Kansas City Brigade (April 25), and the Colorado Crush (June 7).

Other games of note include trips to visit the Dallas Desperados (May 10), who posted a 15-1 regular-season record in 2007; the New York Dragons (April 5); and the two-time ArenaBowl champion Arizona Rattlers (May 24). Grand Rapids will conclude its regular season in New Orleans against the VooDoo on June 21.