Albany Empire

The Albany Empire roster is coming together nicely. Not only did they bring back star quarterback Tommy Grady and sign the AFL's top receiver Darius Prince as well as a bunch of talent with NFL, CFL, or XFL experience but now they've added some local flavor. Head Coach Tom Menas promised he'd sign at least one player from the open tryouts on Saturday at the Afrim's Sports Park in Colonie and he more than made good on that promise. Three of the more than twenty athletes that tried out for the Empire signed with the team.

The transformation of the Albany Empire over the last few weeks is nothing short of amazing. From not sure if they'd even be able to host a 25% capacity at the Times Union Center when the 2021 season kicks off on May 29th to bringing back QB Tommy Grady and signing the best WR in the league Darius Prince. Now Offensive Coordinator Damon Ware is looking to take a talented roster and make them even better. Ware's the "Mr. Fix It" tasked with getting the absolute most out of the Empire offense and doing it FAST.

The Albany Empire have their quarterback or should I say they have him back? Head Coach of the Empire Tom Menas joined Levack and Bahl to kick off today's show and break the news that Tommy Grady will be back under center for the reigning AFL and hopefully future NAL champion Albany Empire.

The Albany Empire is about five weeks from kicking off the 2021 season and if this weekend's additions are any sign, they'll be ready. Over the weekend the Empire signed seven total players two of which have caught the eye of the NFL. Linebacker Rickey Neal Jr. and Wide Reciever Marcel Newson who spent time training with the Vikings and Steelers respectively are part of a busy weekend where Empire head coach Tom Menas' roster has begun to take shape.

Great news for fans of the Nets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers, and Albany Empire. In today's coronavirus press briefing, Governor Andrew Cuomo said the current 10% capacity limit set on all indoor sports arenas in New York state will increase to 25% on Wednesday, May 19th. This is great news for teams like the Nets, Knicks, and Islanders who all appear to be headed to postseason play. The Rangers are far from a lock for the postseason but still alive thanks to a four-game sweep over the New Jersey Devils. This also confirms the reports that the Albany Empire would be able to host 25% of the Times Union Center for their home opener now scheduled for Saturday, May 29th.

The Albany Empire have hired the man that will replace Rob Keefe as head coach, Thomas Menas will be the man looking to lead the Empire to another championship. Menas, leaves the New Jersey Flight where he was the Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Line Coach and will now face his former team with the Empire.

The Albany Empire's return to the Times Union Center will have to wait a little longer. One week longer to be exact. Due to a venue issue with another NAL team, the opening day of the 2021 National Arena League season will be pushed back from May 22nd to May 29th. The good news is this leaves more time to potentially allow more fans at the Times Union Center.

Just like every other team or sports league the Albany Empire has had its share of issues and even delays as it's prepared to return to play at the Times Union Center. A delayed start, limited capacity, and even the last-minute resignation of coach Rob Keefe have not stopped the Empire ownership's dedication to kick off in 2021. Just a day after the news of Coach Keefe stepping down the Empire has released the new uniforms for the return of the Empire.

The Albany Empire has reportedly received assurances that they will be able to move forward with their home opener against the Ontario Bandits on Saturday, May 22nd at the Times Union Center. It came down to the wire but indoor football is returning to the Capital Region this season.

The long-awaited return of Arena football to the Times Union Center in downtown Albany may have to wait a little longer unless Governor Andrew Cuomo acts quickly. The Albany Empire is supposed to return to action on Saturday, May 22nd at 7 pm but that is far from a done deal at this point. A source close to the team has told me that if Cuomo does not announce that indoor capacity will be increased to at least 25% in time for the Empire's home opener by April 1st the 2021 season would be canceled.

I've been sitting here trying to think about what a great gift for Capital Region Sports fans would be and POOF it hit me! The Albany Empire is back and their season ticket packages are available for reservation! Now that the NAL Albany Empire Schedule is out and the team is signing players fans can follow me with my new "Abundance of Hope" approach to 2021. I am 100% ready for some Albany Empire Football!

It's here! The day Capital Region Arena Football fans have been waiting for, the 2021 National Arena League schedule is here and The Empire will be home in week 1. The season is currently scheduled to kick off on April 3rd and will feature a seven team 14 game schedule with each team getting 3 bye weeks over a 17 week regular season.