AFL 2 is Back continued...
Bart Reagor, owner and sponsor of the Renegades and owner of Reagor Auto Mall, said Lubbock has tried arena football before, but he decided to get involved now because of the affiliation with the NFL.
“It’s pretty serious, and we need more entertainment,” Reagor said. “I played at Tech. I love football and felt it was a first class organization.”
Reagor said the reception of the team should be positive.
“We will be very competitive. The Lubbock community will really enjoy the games,” Reagor said. “We would just really like you to come check it out; we think it will be a lot of fun.”
Reagor said Reagor Auto Mall will advertise at games and may do promotion.
Sean Crain, general manager at Raiders Pass and sponsor of the Renegades, said Raiders Pass will house the football players for the entire season.
“They came to us because the arena football league was looking to house players,” Crain said.
Crain said they will advertise on dasher boards surrounding the field as well as showing up at games and giving away T-shirts and brochures.
“It’s good for them and giveaways get our name out,” Crain said. “I might get 2 or 3 or 4 leases out of it. It’s taking Raiders Pass to where everyone knows who you are.”
“I think Lubbock will welcome the Renegades. It’s hungry for something to do. I think it’s going to be awesome. It’s something new, and I hope they fill it. You have to support these ventures to have something to do,” Crain said.
Chris Due said he is handling the communication aspect of the organization with the broadcasting media relations, public relations and some promotions.
“The organization structure has higher demands and there is more dollars involved. There are a lot more national sponsors involved which helps getting local support and sponsors on board,” Due said.
Due said the ownership group is out of Austin with local affiliates to help with day to day operations.
Due said the first game is April 6th. The team will start on the road at Amarillo, and the first home game will be the following Sunday against Arkansas.