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Austin Wranglers set to play in 2004

Wranglers majority owner Greg Feste and AFL Commissioner David Baker (AFL Photos)

(Austin, Texas)?The Austin Wranglers, Arena Football League?s newest team, announced plans today to play in the Texas Capitol beginning in February of 2004. The AFL?s Board of Directors unanimously approved the Austin Ownership Group, headed by Gregory L. Feste of FesteCapital, for the League?s 19th Franchise at a board meeting in Santa Monica, California in September. Terms of an arena agreement to play in the Frank Erwin Center have been agreed upon and are waiting approval by the UT Systems and Board of Regents which is expected in early November.

?We are ready to bring the Austin Wranglers to life in February of 2004,? said General Partner Greg Feste. ?Arena football is a perfect fit for Austin. We are thrilled to further enhance the sports and entertainment industry in our community.?

"The Arena Football League will bring positive economic benefit to Austin and Central Texas. Texans love football and arena football is fan friendly which makes a perfect combination, " said Texas Governor Rick Perry.

AFL Commissioner David Baker added, "Everything's bigger in Texas and we think the AFL will be very big in Austin. The ownership group brings business savvy, homegrown knowledge and football experience. We expect this to be one of the AFL's best organizations."

The Austin Ownership group led by Greg Feste, consists of Jim Schneider, CFO of Dell, Inc.; Glyn Milburn, Assistant General Manager of the team and former NFL player; Leigh Steinberg, famed sports agent and founder of Leigh Steinberg Enterprises; Tony Boselli, former NFL player; Andre Wadsworth, former NFL player; Mark Brunell, current Jacksonville Jaguar; Leonard Davis, current Arizona Cardinal; and Mike Williams, current Buffalo Bill. Said Steinberg, ?Greg Feste and his partners are creative innovators in business and sports, and embody the highest qualities of giving back to the community. I was captivated by the complete vision they have for football in Austin.?

The final and very important element needed to complete the process is approval by the University of Texas Systems and Board of Regents. If approved, the team plans to unveil its logo, colors and team uniforms at a community-wide pep rally in early November.

For more information, including season tickets, sponsorship opportunities and employment opportunities, call the Austin AFL franchise hotline at 877-ATWN-AFL (289-6235) or log on to the team?s official website at www.austinwranglers.com.

About the AFL

Often recognized as one of the nation?s most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League will begin its 18th season in February 2004, making it the second-longest running football league in U.S. history, trailing only the NFL. On the strength of its Mission Statement and Fans? Bill of Rights, the AFL is America?s fastest growing sport. The Austin Wranglers join the Philadelphia Soul and New Orleans VooDoo as the three expansion teams added for the 2004 season. At least two more teams will be added in each of the next two seasons.