It’s Official: RIP Arena Football League (1987-2019)

It's official.  Our hometown Albany Empire will forever be known as the last Arena Football League champion because today comes the somber news that fans were hoping they wouldn't hear. The Arena Football League and our hometown Albany empire are officially dead.

The popular league that was home to the Albany Firebirds and legendary players like 'Touchdown' Eddie Brown and more recently Malachi Jones and the Albany Empire made it official on Wednesday according to a report from News Channel 13.

The AFL was formed back in 1986 and had it's first game in 1987.  The Albany Empire played two very successful seasons here in Albany, ultimately winning ArenaBowl 32 back in August.

The success of the Albany Empire wasn't enough to carry the league, which had attendance problems elsewhere.

A month ago, the league cited financial woes and 'ceased operations' but there was a hint of optimism while league officials tried to salvage the season.   One month later, citing massive financial woes, the league announced it filed for bankruptcy.

It's a massive blow to an area that loves and supports this exciting support.  At least, we went out on top.