San Jose’s 9th Man Blog

First I would like to congratulate the Philadelphia Soul on winning their first ArenaBowl title in their brief franchise history.  This is to set the first chamionship title in the city of Philadelphia since 1984 when the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars beat the Arizona Wranglers in Tampa Stadium for the title.

Now on to the real reason for this particular blog entry.  I would like to thank Aaron Stroope, the manager at Hooters in Campbell in welcoming San Jose’s 9th Man for the second annual ArenaBowl Viewing Party.  I spoke with him earlier today and he stated that there was not a single seat left in the restaurant and that the phrase “MAKE SOME NOISE” did come true.   Also for all of the staff of Hooters who worked hard serving members of 9th Man during the game.  We at San Jose’s 9th Man are very appreciative of your hospitality and great service, and look forward to having our 9th Man Road Game Viewing Parties there for the 2009 season.

Now during the ArenaBowl XXII I was not able to make the party at Hooters, since I decided late to fly out to the game in person.  However, there were two very dedicated and great people who ran the event for me while I was out of town.  These two people are Karin McClay, who is now PR/Marketing for San Jose’s 9th Man and Ashton “Big Cat” Van Tuyl.  I would truly like to thank both of you for organizing and running the day’s events.  I am truly grateful for your help.

I hope to have the pictures and videos from the ArenaBowl Viewing Party, as well as the pictures from the ArenaBowl in New Orleans up in the pics gallery and on 9th Man TV soon.  In the meantime, I have updated 9th Man TV with the video footage from our participation in the Rose, White & Blue 4th of July Parade.  I have also updated the pics gallery through the season ticket holder bar-b-que.

Thanks everyone of you on coming out to Hooters and showing your true love of both the Arena Football League and our beloved San Jose SaberCats.  Keep an eye out on the newly formed events calendar for any off-season events and get togethers.

Eric Thurow
President

I want to say congratulations to the 2008 Western Division Champion, San Jose SaberCats on their 8th division title and for making it one step closer to the American Conference title and another trip to the ArenaBowl to defend their reign.

Here is what has happened: Two weeks ago the SaberCats clinched a playoff birth for the 9th straight year. Last night the SaberCats clinched their 8th division title and a first round bye in the playoffs. Their first playoff game will be on the weekend of the 4th of July.

Here is what still has to happen: Next week for week 16 action, the SaberCats must win their game hosting the Georgia Force and the Chicago Rush must lose their contest against the Dallas Desperados. If these two things occur, then the SaberCats will have home field advantage and the number 1 seed for the 2008 playoffs.

If the Chicago Rush win next week, then the SaberCats will play their first playoff game in San Jose at the Cats Lair on the weekend of July 4th. After advancing to the Conference Championship game, they may either host it or will travel to Chicago if the Rush win their semi-final game in Rosemont.

If the SaberCats have to go on the road for a playoff game, San Jose’s 9th Man will be having a Conference Championship Viewing Party at Henry’s Hi-Life in downtown San Jose. Details will become available as the gaming situation for the playoffs transpire.
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San Jose’s 9th Man
“Here We Come!”

I would like to personally thank everyone for showing up at Henry’s Hi-Life for the last regular season viewing party for 2008.  Thanks also is needed for Richie and his entire staff at Henry’s Hi-Life.  Your hospitality along with joining in on the festivities was greatly welcomed and appreciated.

Everyone who showed up to the viewing party walked away with at least a 2 week membership trial to Bally Total Fitness.  Some other winers were:

1. Bally Fitness Bag (including visor, shirt, & towel) - Winners were Karin McClay from San Jose and Mike Bregante of San Mateo.
2. 3 Month Membership to Bally Total Fitness - Winners were Brian McClay from San Jose and Steve Aquino from San Jose.
3. 9th Man Fan Club Honoree for 2008 - Keith Tokar from San Jose.

Thanks also has to go to Bally Total Fitness for sponsoring San Jose’s 9th Man again this year.  Keep posted to the 9th Man web site for any possible post season viewing parties and as well as any off season activities.

Now announcing the 2008 9th Man Player of the Year is: K #11 A.J. Haglund with 117 votes (46.6% of the votes).

Now announcing the 2008 9th Man Kitten of the Year is: Christi Pereira with 743 votes (39.2% of the votes).

Thanks You SaberCats Fans (9th Man)

Eric Thurow
President
San Jose’s 9th Man

Yesterday I confirmed with management that Henry’s Hi-Life in Downtown San Jose will host our next viewing party. This is scheduled for 7:00PM with the game kicking off at 7:30PM on Saturday, May 31st.  Henry’s Hi-Life is located a couple of blocks east of the Cats Lair at 301 W. St. John St.

GO SABERCATS 2 ANOTHER DIVISION TITLE!!!!!
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San Jose’s 9th Man
“Here We Come!”  

I have returned from Arizona as of yesterday.  The whether was hot and so were the SaberCats as they cruised in the second half to a victory.  The Rattler fans tried to scare us off as we entered their section, but we weren;t having it.  Ultimately, I would like to thank the Rattler fans that were next to us in section 104 rowws 4 and 5 ( including Lynn).  It was a great game and a memorable as one of the elite AFL players had his number retired and hung next to another great Hunkie Cooper’s number, I’m talking of Randy Gatewood #17.

I was unable to do any 9th Man TV in Arizona due to timing, however I do have some pictures that turned out great and I will post them up shortly in the pics gallery.  So be on the lookout for that.  I will see everyone back at the Cats Lair for this week’s division match-up against the Utah Blaze.

Also DO NOT FORGET that there will be a POST GAME MEET-N-GREET with Head Coach Darren Arbet following the game on Saturday at Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria.

This upcoming Friday is the date for the 9th Man Road Trip to Phoenix, Arizona.   For the Viewing Party this week, it is still planned on going on at the same venue, Britannia Arms - Almaden at 7:00PM.  However I will not be present as I am flying out to Phoenix Thursday to attend the game Friday night. 

If you are going to the game as well, please contact me so that the 9th Man can meet up for the pre-game tailgate party outside of the main entrance to U.S. Airways Center and also for the pre-game photo and video footage to represent the SaberCats fans and to demonstrate how loyal fans are of our SaberCats.

For the remiaining viewing parties during the regular season, the host venue will remain Britannia Arms - Almaden.  However, for the post season, if we were to have any viewing parties, including the ArenaBowl, it will be at a different location.  This location will be announced by the middle of this week.  Possible locations are Stanley’s Bar & Grill at the Sharks practice facility, Jersey’s on S. 1st St downtown, and the Downtown Britannia Arms.

Also on the main page, I have a survey for feedback on the viewing parties host venue, Britannia Arms - Almaden.  I want to hear your feedback by participating in the survey, if have gone to a viewing party.   YOu can also comment here on this blog entry as well for more feedback, as the survey is just a simple ranking.  All comments on the 9th Man Blog are subjuct to approval to only allow appropriate material to be posted.

As some of you may already know, I have begun the voting process of this year’s 9th Man Kitten of the Year.  Now remember that this is an award to be presented to your favorite member of the SaberKittens, as they have been nominated.  The 9th Man Player of the Year voting will begin next week.

This year I decided to spice things up a little.  We are not going to display the final results on the web site until after the winner has been announced at this year’s first 9th Man Award Ceremony.

This special event will be held at the last regular season viewing party on Saturday, May 31st while the SaberCats take on the SoCal rivals, Los Angeles Avengers at 7:30PM.  So come in force to the Britannia Arms - Almaden to not only cheer on your defending ArenaBowl Champion San Jose SaberCats, but also to see who wins at the First Annual 9th Man Awards.  The final announcement about the categories will be announced shortly.

GO SABERCATS!

I just received word that this Saturday night the Sabercats will be holding a meet-n-greet with General Manager/Head Coach Darren Arbet.  The venue to host this meet-n-greet will be Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria in Downtown San Jose.  It will begin roughly 30-45 minutes after the conclusion of the game between the SaberCats and Desperados at the Cats Lair.

Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria is located: (on W. Santa Clara St. @ Almaden Ave.)
225 W. Santa Clara St.
San Jose, CA 95113
408.289.9000

For more information on Amici’s visit: http://www.amicis.com/location_dtsanjose.htm

Earlier today, I have confirmed that Britannia Arms in the Almaden District will host this year’s 9th Man Viewing Parties.  As voted by you, Britannia Arms in the  Almaden District was chosen as the spot to host the viewing parties.  I made confirmation with them earlier today and they are more than welcoming in having the return of San Jose’s 9th Man for an entire season this year.

Here is the information you need on how to get to the Britannia Arms - Almaden.
Britannia Arms
5027 Almaden Expressway
San Jose, CA
Between Branham Lane and CA-85 at Cherry Avenue.

If you would like to take public transportation, click on the “Visiting Fans” link and use our 9th Man Trip Planner.  Just reference the street address and city above as your destination and the date and time for that particular event.

The first viewing party is scheduled for Monday, March 3, 2008 at 5:30PM.  Be advise that all viewing parties are now posted on the schedule portion of the web site and is downloadable via Adobe Reader 8.1.  Also that all viewing parties will begin approximately one half hour prior to the scheduled kick off time of the games.