The Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League have found a home at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center it was announced today at a news conference held at the Kroc Center. The Nighthawks are poised to sign a two-year agreement for rental of the Kroc Center facilities at 2825 Y St. for all of the team's training needs, according to Major Paul D. Smith, Salvation Army divisional commander.

The Kroc Center sports field complex will be used as the professional team’s practice field.  Nighthawks training camp at the Kroc Center will begin August 18.  The Nighthawks’ opening home game in Omaha will be on Friday, September 24 at Rosenblatt Stadium against the Hartford Colonials (kickoff time tbd). 

A 5,000-square-foot locker room will be built within an existing area of the Kroc Center.  The locker room was already part of the Kroc Center’s planned building development intended for use by sports leagues, tournaments and outside rentals.  The needs of the Nighthawks players accelerated the planned development of the room. 

Temporary locker rooms will be built within one of the three basketball courts in the Gymnasium Complex.  The Kroc Center hosts the largest men's basketball league in Omaha, which formed in less than a year, indicating the level of interest in Omaha in the league.

The Kroc Center Education Center will be used for team meetings.  The training table will be in the spacious Fellowship Hall. 

“This is not your ordinary training table,” said Major Smith.  “We have a state-of-the-art kitchen and an executive chef certified through the American Culinary Federation, Kevin Newlin, who has 22 years of culinary experience.

Smith said the Kroc Center meets all the team’s needs in a state-of-the-art facility, helps meet the UFL goal of being part of the Omaha community and also gives the players’ families a place to work out and play.  Memberships will be available for the families for the football season.  

Hosting the UFL Omaha Nighthawks team at the Kroc Center furthers The Salvation Army’s mission by giving kids the chance to interact with positive role models and also attracts people from across metro Omaha who are discovering all that the Kroc Center offers when they drop by to see the Nighthawks.

“From the moment we first visited the Kroc Center we wanted to house our team there and not only make the most of top-class facilities, but also become integrated within the local community here in Omaha,” said Nighthawks General Manager Rick Mueller.  “Everyone from the Nighthawks organization is excited to be here.”

PHOTO AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
The July 21 news conference will be held in the Kroc Center Fellowship Hall.  Among those available for photos and interviews will be former Husker and former Green Bay Packers all-time leading rusher Ahman Green, the first player to sign with the Nighthawks team. In addition to Green, others present will include Rick Mueller, UFL general manager; Ken Stills, Omaha Nighthawks football operations, and Major Paul D. Smith, Salvation Army divisional commander.   Kids from the Kroc Center will be present. A tour of the permanent locker area and state-of-the-art kitchen will follow with samples of the food players will be consuming at the training table available for tasting.

About The United Football League
The UFL provides high-quality professional football during a traditional fall season while embracing innovation and fan interaction.  The UFL serves its local communities with pride and dedication, and aims to provide every fan with an exciting and memorable game experience.  The inaugural 2009 champion Las Vegas Locos will battle the Florida Tuskers, Hartford Colonials, Omaha Nighthawks and Sacramento Mountain Lions for the William Hambrecht Trophy in 2010.  The UFL is led by Commissioner Michael Huyghue and is funded by a consortium of private investors.  For season tickets, more information and to interact with passionate football fans, please visit www.UFL-Football.com.

About The Salvation Army Kroc Center
The Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Salvation Army Kroc Center inspires children, adults, and families to discover their potential through positive experiences in health, education, the arts and spiritual enrichment.  The Kroc Center's state-of-the-art facility is open to members and the general public, and can be rented for special events and meetings. The Kroc Center covers a six square block area and includes a Fitness Deck, Aquatics Center, Gymnasium Complex, Assembly Hall, Fellowship Hall, Education Center, Learning Center, outdoor Sports Field Complex, Festival Plaza and commercial kitchen with a full-time executive chef.  For more information or to donate, please visit www.omahakroc.org.