“Reading Roars: The Pennsylvania Benjamins Set to Ignite Arena Football!”
READING, PA – The excitement is palpable as the Pennsylvania Benjamins prepare for their inaugural season in the International Arena League (IAL). General Manager Gregg Fornario is on a mission to bring a championship to Reading, and he’s ready to rally the community behind their new arena football team.
"We’re looking to bring that championship to Reading. I can tell you that right now," stated Fornario, proudly donning the team’s fierce Kelly green logo, inspired by a founding father. The Benjamins will kick off their inaugural 14-game season facing fierce competition from teams across the U.S., including challengers from Arizona and Las Vegas, as well as international rivals from England and Germany. Leading the charge will be Head Coach Lee Johnson, who brings a wealth of experience after playing defensive line for the University of Missouri and subsequently for the Kansas City Chiefs in 1990.
Fornario emphasized that Reading was the perfect choice for the franchise, striking a balance between proximity to Philadelphia and a promising market. "Close enough to Philadelphia, still outside of Philadelphia, and a good market to make happen," he explained. His vision includes creating an engaging atmosphere that connects the team with the community through events, a mascot, and a dance team, aiming for an electrifying fan experience that arena football is known for.
The decision to brand the team as the Pennsylvania Benjamins rather than just Reading was a strategic one, reflecting the IAL's intent to appeal to a broader audience. "I think because it's more global. It made more sense to say Pennsylvania than Reading," Fornario noted, aligning with the NFL's push for international growth. This approach sets the stage for an innovative franchise that aims to nurture emerging talent, as several players have already made headlines by being called up to NFL teams like the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons.
What This Means for the Pennsylvania Benjamins
As one of the founding clubs of the IAL, the Pennsylvania Benjamins are set to make a significant impact in the league, which is dedicated to showcasing fast-paced, high-scoring arena football. With a fresh approach to the sport, the Benjamins not only aim to captivate local fans at Santander Arena but also aspire to elevate the arena football landscape as a whole.
This exciting news was first reported by WFMZ-TV News.
Get ready, Reading! The Pennsylvania Benjamins are gearing up to make their mark, and you won’t want to miss a moment of the action this season!