The Battle of Ohio That You Likely Don’t Know About
Reds versus Indians. Bengals versus Browns. Heck, even things get a bit fun when the Buckeyes play one of the not-so “The” state universities. But what about Destroyers versus Gladiators?
Did I already lose you? If so, it’s not completely your fault. Arena football is still looking for some mainstream traction, and this is only the first season of the Gladiators playing in Cleveland. But this weekend’s game is likely the biggest for the arena franchise since opening day brought nearly 17,000 fans to Quicken Loans Arena.
Not only is this game the season finale, but a win allows the Gladiators to make the AFL playoffs - something that they fell short of after winning only two games in their former city.
A win takes the Cleveland franchise to 9-7, a record that beats what Columbus put up last season (7-9) before making it all the way to the title game. The Gladiators dropped last week’s game to Jon Bon Jovi’s Soul (Philadelphia), so this will be their last ditch efforts. When the two teams locked horns back in March, the Gladiators came out on top, 59-57.
It isn’t exactly the Subway series, but you can bet that the AFL has to be pretty excited that their “new” team is a game away from the post season, and is playing an intrastate rival.
Kickoff is at 7pm. The first 10,000 can get themselves a Bernie Kosar bobblehead, donning the red and black #19. Without even looking, I can tell you that there are likely plenty of great seats still available, so if you have a few hours to kill, why not enjoy some fast-paced football?
(Image courtesy ClevelandGladiators.com)
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Cleveland fans have been waiting since 1964 for the Browns to win a title. Fans have waited since 1948 for the Indians to win a World Series. Fans have never witnessed a Cavaliers Championship. They have come close, but every year they are forced to wait. And wait they will. Because Cleveland sports is a tradition; a rite of passage for millions in Northern Ohio.
This site is the result of three such fans, who wanted to share their opinions, frustrations and hopefully victories with you.
June 18th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
I’ve tried to give arena football a chance on several occasions and then it dawned on me, its like watching neighborhood kids play 5 on 5 in the street. The playing field is too damn small, everyone looks like they’re running the same route, and defense is half hearted at best.
I also feel Ohio rivalries are best kept to a Cleveland vs. Cincinnati venue. Columbus is like a melting pot/neutral ground type of place to me.
Hoy
June 18th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I’m a season ticket holder for the Destroyers and I can tell you these games are a lot of fun to watch……if you like offense that is, if you like defense…..not so much.
June 18th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
You misspelled “care” as “k-n-o-w”. Totally wrong.
June 18th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Wil - so they’re the Browns?
June 18th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Personally I love these games. I’m 16 so the 13$ tickets are a hit (especially when you can sneak down pretty easily) This being a football town, it’s an oasis in the stretch run between the heart of the Tribe season and the Start of training camp.