Rush Wins 2004 Afl Commissioner’s Award

[DJRamFan]

Following its most successful season in franchise history – both on and off the field – the Chicago Rush was recognized with the prestigious Commissioner’s Award, given to the Arena Football League’s organization of the year.

Voted on by the staff of the AFL’s New York and Chicago offices, the honor rewards excellence in the front office, as well as achievement on the field.

“Winning the 2004 Commissioner’s Award is a tremendous honor for our organization,” said Mike Polisky, Rush senior vice president and general manager. “It’s a great way of acknowledging the dedicated and passionate efforts of our front office staff, coaches and players.”

Chicago was the most televised team in the league for the second-consecutive season with 13 games featured on the “AFL on NBC,” including six home games. Spurred on by the team’s “tune in” marketing initiatives, Chicagoland ratings in 2004 increased by nearly 20% versus the team’s 2003 performance.

The Rush also boasted significant improvement at the box office, as ticket revenues increased by 22%, helping Chicago average more than 14,100 fans per game at Rosemont’s Allstate Arena.

Corporate sponsorships jumped 42% – and included partnerships with, among others, McDonald’s, Pepsi, LaSalle Bank, Ace Hardware and Anheuser-Busch – while the organization’s integrated advertising campaign and targeted, co-branding promotions boosted brand awareness to an all-time high.

Chicago also experienced significant growth online, as its newly redesigned Web site, Chicagorush.com, doubled its monthly traffic during 2004 to more than 30,000 unique visitors each month.

In competition, the Rush ended the regular season with a team-record 11-5 mark and advanced to the ArenaBowl semifinals before being defeated by eventual league champion San Jose. It was Chicago’s fourth-consecutive playoff berth in as many seasons, and second semifinal appearance in the last three years.

Reservations for season tickets for Chicago’s fifth-anniversary season in 2005 currently are being accepted. In honor of Chicago’s fifth anniversary, the Rush is offering fans the opportunity to reserve their 2005 season tickets for just $5 per seat. To reserve your tickets, or to find out more information, call (877) RUSH-TIX.