ATLANTIC CITY. The AFL is all in for Atlantic City, turning America's playground into a battleground.
Atlantic City AFL today announce the Atlantic City Blackjacks as the name for the new Arena Football League team in New Jersey. The name Atlantic City Blackjacks represents the very core of Atlantic City and encapsulates the energy in the air on the Boardwalk, beach and at the tables.
The Atlantic City Blackjacks, how great is that, AFL Executive Committee Chairman and Trifecta Sports & Entertainment owne Ron Jaworski said. The Blackjacks name, colors and logo are perfect for Atlantic City. Our fans can be proud of this moniker and we can't wait to take the field in April. This is real now and we ask that the community supports this team, just like we will support the community. You won't be disappointed.
The team name was voted on by the community on CatCountry1073.com and the Atlantic City Blackjacks name won the vote by a narrow margin, with 36 percent of the total votes. Gamblers came in as a close second at 31 percent, Royals at 13 percent, Jackpot at 11 percent, and High Rollers at 9 percent. More than 6,500 unique votes were submitted.
The contest winner, determined by being the first person to submit the Blackjacks name at AtlanticCityAFL.com, was Rider University student Michael Santaniello. His prize was the ultimate Atlantic City Blackjacks prize pack, which includes 2019 inaugural season tickets, an official team game helmet and personalized home game jersey.
Developed by Upscale Collective of Albany, New York, the unique Blackjacks logo presents the attitude of the team, the emotion of the fans and the thrill of the game. The dynamic angles in the logo represent a hard-set determination and attitude meant to intimidate anyone who dares to oppose. The logo portrays the team's identity and the embodiment of a tough city with an independent streak looking to dominate the AFL with grit and confidence, according to a release.
We are proud and excited to reveal our identity to the world, said Blackjacks COO George Manias. The Atlantic City Blackjacks embody what Atlantic City is all about. The gambling tie-in is a natural, but the royalty, confidence and strength that our logo represents will translate to the product that we put out on the field and in our community. We have a very sharp look and we couldn't be happier with the finished product and our team name, colors and identity.
The team's inaugural season motto, All In symbolizes the organization's coaches, team and the fans are All In to make this Atlantic City's team and are committed to putting a competitive product on the field and in Atlantic City for the long term.
The Blackjacks' inaugural game is set for April 27 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, where they take on three-time League champion, the Philadelphia Soul. The Blackjacks will play their first home game at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall Saturday, May 4 against the Columbus Destroyers. Game times will be announced at a later date.
Townsquare Media South Jersey will provide radio coverage for all games and broadcast on 97.3 ESPN Radio, including a half hour pre-game and post-game show, and coach's show Thursday nights through the season.
Team uniforms, dance team name, and other core elements of the team's brand will be announced at a later date.
For more, see ACBlackjacks.com and @acblackjacks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Season tickets available by calling 609-783-9494 or at acblackjacks.com. T-shirts with team logo are available. Organizations, groups, fundraisers or field group experiences are welcome.
