BALTIMORE, Maryland (July 2, 2009) – The first round of playoff action in the American Indoor Football Association begins tonight in Reading, Pennsylvania, as the Reading Express host the Baltimore Mariners. The game will be played at the Sovereign Center, where a large crowd is anticipated.

The Express won the North Division of the AIFA with an 11-3 record, but two of their losses were to their cross-state rivals. In the last six games, both teams have posted exceptional 5-1 records. There is considerable intrigue in this game, since the Mariners have won both previous meetings. For Baltimore to advance, they must beat Reading three times in the same season. But, it can also be said that for Reading to advance, they must beat Baltimore once...something they have been unable to do.

The South Division playoff matchup features the division-champion Columbus Lions hosting the Fayetteville Guard at the Columbus Civic Center Monday, July 6th. These two formidable teams split their two previous meetings this year. The Lions finished the season 11-3, while the Guard posted an 8-6 record. Again, a large crowd is expected for this game in Columbus, Georgia.

BALTIMORE, Maryland (July 2, 2009) – The American Indoor Football Association has released the 60th edition of its Internet radio program, This Week In The AIFA.

This edition of the program covers Week 17 of the AIFA season and previews Week 18 in the West and the first round of the AIFA Playoffs in the East. In the North Division playoff matchup, the Reading Express will host the Baltimore Mariners Thursday night at the Sovereign Center in Reading. The Mariners have won the two previous meetings during the regular season, while the Express won the division crown. In the South Division, the Columbus Lions will host the Fayetteville Guard at the Columbus Civic Center on Monday, July 6th. The Lions won two of three regular season meetings between the two teams.

Guests on the program are AIFA co-founder John Morris, Baltimore Mariners coach Chris Simpson and GM Greg Justice. Additional voices heard on the program include play-by-play announcers Matt Hester and Dave Eddy, as well as Reading Express coach Bernie Nowotarski, Express Offensive Coordinator Chris Thomsen and Ogden Knights coach (and AIFA co-founder) Michael Mink.

This Week In The AIFA is a downloadable Internet radio program, sometimes referred to as a “Podcast.” The program is produced by Bill Hazen Productions, in conjunction with the AIFA and OurSports Central Radio. It is available for download directly through both the AIFA's web site (www.aifaprofootball.com) and OurSports Central's web site (www.oursportscentral.com).

This Week In The AIFA is written, produced and hosted by veteran play-by-play broadcaster and AIFA Media/Public Relations Director, Bill Hazen. The program utilizes the latest in digital audio technology to increase the audio quality of interview segments from throughout the league.

By: Matthew Hester
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COLUMBUS, GA (June 30, 2009) – Life can be cruel and unbearable at times.  With a faltering economy and jobs getting cut each day, sports have taken a major hit financially.  While a few big-league teams defy the economic logic of the times, minor league franchises and organizations continue to look for ways to help stay afloat.

What a difference a year makes for both the Columbus Lions and the American Indoor Football Association.  Both the franchise and league have a bright outlook as the 2009 postseason draws near.  Considering one year ago the Lions were preparing for a 2008 post-season knowing that they were going to lose money. 

Last year to reach the championship game, Columbus would have had to travel from Mississippi, to Wyoming, and landed in Florence, South Carolina to capture the championship.  If it were not for an early first round exit by the hands of the Mudcats, who went dark for the 09 season, the Lions would have experienced a huge negative financial impact.