Mountain Lion Meet & Greet and Player Signing Party Tonight

2010-08-21T05:29:02Z

On Friday August 20, the UFL's Sacramento Mountain Lions held a special Meet & Greet event for season ticket holders and fans at the team's facilities on the campus of the California State University, Sacramento. Information provided by the Mountain Lions Ticket Sales staff indicated the event was scheduled to take place from 6-9pm.

Initial pictures and autographs for fans were followed by player introductions by Head Coach Dennis Green, and performances by the Mountain Lions cheer and dance squad. Thereafter, players and fans reconvened for more pictures and autographs.

By about 7:30pm, a few players needed t leave in order to tend to other commitments. Wide receiver Fred Otis Amey, who played college football at CSUS, before signing with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers and several other teams, hosts "The UPrising" every third Friday of the month at 2230 Arden Way in Sacramento, just behind Arby's.

The event goes from 8:30-10:30pm, and combines spoken word, soul, hip-hop, dance, music from live bands, and more. It is a combination of ministry and nightlife that offers young people an alternative to being on the streets, while engaging in public freestyle promotion of the talent of the young people already in FOA's My Generation Now organization.

Wide receiver Cameron Colvin, a University of Oregon Duck Alum who previously played for the San Francisco 49ers, also departed early, but for another reason. Together with the Mountain Lions drafted defensive back, Willie Glasper, also a University of Oregon Duck Alum, Colvin is throwing a signing party at Lounge ON20 tonight. The party is scheduled to begin at 10:30pm and go until close. Lounge ON20 is located on the corner of 20th and K Street in Midtown Sacramento.

Another player, Tyler Clutts, who played college football at Fresno State University, drove up from the Fresno area today, and was headed back there tonight. He made that trip once before for outreach purposes, when he came up to meet fans at last month's California Automobile Museum Car Cruise and Show that was held in Midtown Sacramento.

The Mountain Lions have arranged for player and staff accommodations at the Hilton Hotel near Arden Fair Mall. The Hilton Sacramento Arden West will announce a special Mountain Lions promotional rate package on Monday, August 23.

With the start of fall camp just a couple of days away, Mountain Lion players, coaches and staff are energized and ready to go. The fans are very excited. A brief conversation with SCUS police officers outside the football complex gates clearly indicated that they're excited too. With the first home game on September 25 looking to be a sellout, and sound attendance projections for the rest of the home schedule, it seems everything is coming together well for Sacramento's newest professional sports team.

For more information, or to buy tickets, call the Sacramento Mountain Lions Ticket Office at or visit the Mountain Lions website ticket page.

FOA Celebrates Signing with Mountain Lions

2010-08-07T22:34:53Z

The UFL's Sacramento Mountain Lions Wide Receiver Fred Otis Amey hosted an official signing party last night at the California State University, Sacramento Alumni Center. The event featured an appearance by members of the Mountain Lions cheer and dance squad, catered food, a video segment, the unveiling of a unique FOA logo, a raffle with prize giveaways, a benediction, and music - featuring a live performance by FOA himself.

The Mountain Lions had staff on site, as did Team Dynamix - the event organizer. Representatives from My Athletic Resume, a local enterprise focused on building personal resume websites for athletes, were also present. Several members of the CSUS Athletic Department and Football Alumni Chapter were also in attendance. FOA played for the Sacramento State Hornets prior to his professional career.

Clearly visible in the middle of everything was FOA's lovely and amazing wife, Tyreina. There's an old saying, "behind every great man is even greater woman." Understandably, she prefers to remain out of the spotlight, but it was absolutely clear that FOA honors her and deeply respects and appreciates the important role she plays in his life.

FOA also took the opportunity to announce the creation of the Generation Now Foundation, a non-profit enterprise committed to making a difference in the lives of others because the time for action is right now, people in our communities need help right now, and there no better time to give than right now. The website has not been developed yet, but the URL will be will be www.MyGenerationNow.org. FOA says the foundation "is all about helping get kids to that next level now, whatever it may be. It might be college, the NFL, or simply preparing for their SATs. We'll be mentoring, coaching, and developing these athletes' young minds."

For those who haven't followed his career, FOA's playing career at CSUS was quickly followed by some time on the NFL's San Francisco 49ers roster. Despite a thrilling preseason performance that produced the lone touchdown pass completed by 49ers starting quarterback Alex Smith, and a regular season debut 75 yard punt return for a touchdown against the Saint Louis Rams, FOA's time on the field in the Bay Area was short. Sidelined by injury, he spent much of that first season recovering. FOA has also been a member of the Austin Wranglers, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Gladiators, BC Lions, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

After being released from the NFL, FOA played in the Arena Football League and Canadian Football League. However, he always remained committed to returning to both the top of his game and the community he knows and loves - Sacramento. When the UFL announced the move to Sacramento, he set his sights on playing here. He is one of four people who participated in the local Open Tryout who were invited to the Mountain Lions mini camp. His performance and character combined to present a compelling case for inclusion on the Mountain Lions roster.

The evening concluded with an exclusive look at the training facilities and field that the Mountain Lions will share with the Sacramento State Hornets. Mountain Lions staff assured us all that by the time the season comes around, we would not recognize the field. The combination of banners and turf insignia adjustments will clearly display the Mountain Lions brand.

Despite being in an NCAA facility, the Mountain Lions have secured the right to sell adult beverages at their games. The NCAA prohibits the sale of alcohol at sanctioned sporting events and facilities. That rule does not apply to the UFL or other professional sports leagues even when they lease those facilities. Combined with tailgating that will run throughout the day and early evening, Mountain Lions games are sure to be exciting. Team staff assured FOA and his close supporters that the first game will be a sell out. Across the spectrum of pro sports generally, Sacramento needs a sellout.

Walking with the Mountain Lions staff, we came across a black Nike slipper on the sidewalk outside the Alumni Center. The staff was quick to point out that it has been there all summer and no one has touched it. Superstitious athletes players consider it cursed. Anyone visiting the facility is highly encouraged not to touch it and to leave it right where it is.

There will be a select public viewing of facilities on August 20 from 6-9pm. The tour will be limited to season ticket holders. People interested in becoming season ticket holders can get more information through the Sacramento Mountain Lions website, or by contacting Daniel Curran at the Sacramento Mountain Lions business office. He can be reached by calling (916)-383-5466, or by email at daniel.curran@ufl-football.com.

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Mountain Lion Meet & Greet and Player Signing Party Tonight

FOA Celebrates Signing with Mountain Lions