San Jose aims for a New Orleans return to ArenaBowl XXII

SABERCATS TRAINING CAMP BEGINS FEBRUARY 2

San Jose Looks to Become First Repeat Champion Since 1996

SAN JOSE, Calif. (January 30, 2008) – The defending ArenaBowl champion San Jose SaberCats begin their repeat journey for the Foster Cup on Saturday, February 2, as training camp opens at the team’s practice facility in Sunnyvale.

In 2008, the SaberCats hope to become the first repeat AFL champions since the ’95-’96 Tampa Bay Storm. It would mark the first time San Jose has won back-to-back league titles, something the franchise has failed to accomplish two times (2003, 2005) before.

"It's difficult to win football games at any level, but we are ready for the challenge (of trying to repeat),” remarked head coach Darren Arbet. “There hasn't been a repeat champion in this league in a number of years and we are anxious to get the season going. We've been in this position before but this might be the time we get it done."

Arena Football teams are allowed to construct a training camp roster of 37 players. At the conclusion of camp, three weeks after reporting, the official team roster will be cut down to 24 names.

“Healthy competition brings out the best, or sometimes the worst, in every athlete,” Arbet divulged. “We’ve got some new guys in here that are hungry for a spot on the team so it should be an exciting few weeks of football.”

Saturday and Sunday will allow coaches to lay the groundwork for the season through meetings and introductions. Beginning Monday, all 37 rostered players will hit the field for a double practice session.

Week One Practice Schedule

Mon., Feb. 4 8:15 am – 10:45 am 2:45 pm – 4:50 pm

Tue., Feb. 5 8:15 am – 10:45 am 2:45 pm – 4:50 pm

Wed., Feb. 6 8:15 am – 10:45 am

Thu., Feb. 7 8:15 am – 10:45 am 2:45 pm – 4:50 pm

Fri., Feb. 8 8:15 am – 10:45 am 2:45 pm – 4:50 pm

Sat., Feb. 9 8:15 am – 10:45 am

Sun., Feb. 10 OFF DAY

CAMP PRACTICE INFORMATION

All practice sessions are open to the media and public. Times are subject to change. In the event of inclement weather practice sites may vary. Contact the SaberCats media relations department for up-to-date practice information (408) 573-5587. Players and coaches will be made available for interviews at the conclusion of each practice session

San Jose opens the 2008 season in the national spotlight with an ESPN2 Monday night game against the Chicago Rush at 6:00 p.m. (PT). The SaberCats home opener is set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 15 against former SaberCat coach Kevin Guy and the Arizona Rattlers.

Updated bios on all 37 players on the training camp roster can be viewed on the team’s official website http://www.sanjosesabercats.com/team.php.

A premiere franchise in the Arena Football League, San Jose has won three ArenaBowl championships and captured seven Western Division titles, eight consecutive playoff appearances and owns the league’s best regular season record this decade. The SaberCats begin defense of their AFL title on March 3 in Chicago on ESPN2.

Season tickets for the 2008 season are now on sale. Contact a SaberCats’ account executive at (408) 573-5577 to reserve your seats today. Individual game tickets will go on sale Friday, February 1, at the HP Pavilion box office and all Ticketmaster locations. More information is also available on the team’s official website www.sanjosesabercats.com.