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)
