I was unsure of what to expect tonight. Having never been to an indoor arena football game I noticed small differences and big differences. I won’t go over all of these but will highlight what I found the most interesting.
First off, the place was not packed, but it was LOUD! I counted about 9 false starts from the Richmond Revolution’s offense. (I’m a Seattle Seahawks fan and have come to learn that many false starts can be directly attributed to crowd noise) Perhaps it was the thunder sticks handed out to every fan coming into the stadium or it could have been the Noise Nation, but I have to say I heard the phrase, “Bring the Noise!” more than I’ve heard in a while.
The game moved very quickly compared to NFL games I have attended. Still 4 quarters. Still 15 minute quarters. Just not a TV timeout every 2-3 minutes.
So we started off with a lovely and patriotic singing of the National Anthem by one of the many Steelhawks Dance Team members.
She sang the Anthem beautifully.
The first quarter was exciting with the Steelhawks jumping out to an early lead with a touchdown. It looked like they commanded the first half and the Richmond team seemed to be affected by the level of enthusiam of the newly minted Steelhawk fans. Richmond soon came back. There were several interceptions and a fumble.
I thought this was a cool photo. Looks like he's flying
Play went back and forth and the last 2 minutes proved to be the deciding moments. Sadly, it was someone wearing a black and white uniform who ultimately decided which direction this game was going to go. The Steelhawks had Richmond pinned deep in their own territory and were holding fast with a 4 point lead. The hail mary pass went up, the Richmond Receiver went into the wall, pass incomplete. We all groaned when a late flag hit the turf installed on the floor at Stabler Arena. I didn’t see a replay, but the Revolution’s receiver looked just as surprised. This gave the Revolution a first down with only 5 yards to go for the go ahead score which came quickly after. (Speaking to several players and coaches after the game, this play was hotly contested.) With only 1:20 on the clock in the final quarter it looked like the Steelhawks were doomed. The ensuing kickoff got them to midfield. A quick play got them down to a dozen or so yards for the chance to win the game. With only 11 seconds remaining they made one last ditch effort. (If you’re waiting for my opinion, here it comes). Pass into the end zone, the Steelhawk receiver is checked into the boards with an effort that would make any NHL Hall of Famer proud and the pass drops. The entire stadium looks at that same “quick to the draw” referee to call a pass interference call and it never came. The Steelhawks settled for a field goal sending the game into overtime. Arena football follows college rules in overtime. If you aren’t familiar.. look it up.
The Steelhawks took another fieldgoal and Richmond drove the field coming about 5 yards out before their final play. Stabler arena was booming. Receivers signaled they couldn’t hear, the quarterback was waving and flapping worse than Peyton Manning and the inevitable happened. While giving one last command, Richmond’s quarterback turned his head, the center snapped the ball and it hit a surprised QB right in the groin. Nobody moved. Literally for about 1 second after the snap.. NOBODY MOVED. The QB proudly stood up with the ball (which could easily have gone 40 yards down the field) and dove into the end zone ending the game.
After the game, one thing I was particularly impressed with was both teams shaking hands and taking a knee to come together in prayer. These are good guys working hard and enjoying life.
When all was done, all were invited down onto the field for an autograph and photo session with the players fresh out of the game. I liked this with the Philly Force softball team and still like it now. This is something the Ironpig’s can learn from. One or two autograph sessions are nice, but an organized effort would be better. These players and the organization say they appreciate our support and show through actions that they appreciate our support. We need to get out and help support them as well.
Got to speak to Tammy Santiago, the “voice” of the Steelhawks on the game promotions team. Between quarters and time outs she held on field contests and I have to say I really felt for the guy who put a field goal attempt off of the left upright. Good times and good people!
Tammy Santiago. If you get a chance to say hello and thank her, please do so!
Altogether a great night. I received a lot of messages that the Noise Nation was visible often on the Service Electric 2 Sports broadcast and our thanks also goes out to them.
OinK! or should I say….. Screech!?
All photos courtesy of Noise Nation photographer Heather Mastropieri
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
Great posting. We all had a great time. I really liked that shot too of what looked like he was flying. I was going to delete it, but thought it looked pretty cool. I’m glad I didn’t 😉
It was a great shot, Heather, and thanks for all of them.
I was puzzled with the ‘turf’ at this game. If there were ads on it, you only saw a few, or else the faded remains of the ones the old Outlawz had. Are they still hunting for sponsors?
We purchased a used turf from a team in Utah. Unfortuantely we only had two days to roll it out and update our sponsors (since the Lehigh baskebll team seson was not yet over). Some of the old logos are still showing but we’ll work it out over time. WE are always seeking new perfomance partners (sponsors) so refer any our way. thanks!
Thanks for the info Glenn! We had a great time Saturday! Thank you!!
That certainly was a great time!! Heather the pics are awesome especially the one of the Steelhawk player “flying”. I’m still talking about this game and because of it I called their ticket office and purchased a GA season ticket for the rest of the season!!
Screech!!