Arena Football League to play its championship game at American Dream

ArenaBowl XXXIII is just latest championship event to come to facility in East Rutherford

Another championship is coming to American Dream.

On Thursday, the Arena Football League announced that its title game, ArenaBowl XXXIII, will be played at American Dream on July 19.

The game will take place at the Rink, as part of a three-day series of events, including various activities, player meet-and-greets and celebrity appearances.

American Dream General Manager Bryan Gaus highlighted the venue’s attractiveness to entertainment and performances.

“We are ecstatic that the Arena Football League has selected American Dream as their host for an exhilarating championship weekend,” he said. “We eagerly anticipate the hard-hitting action that will be felt throughout the center, as a new AFL champion is crowned, and American Dream turns more dreams into reality.

“This event further demonstrates that American Dream is a sought-after venue for major sporting events, complementing its premier retail, dining and attractions.”

The ability to host multiple events and the unique setting of the Rink are among the many things that attracted the AFL to American Dream. Arena Football League Chairman Chris Chetty is enthusiastic about the venue’s selection and the league’s direction.

“American Dream embodies the vibrancy and energy that the new AFL stands for,” Chetty said. “It’s the ideal backdrop for showcasing our revived league to the community and sports enthusiasts worldwide. American Dream not only offers a fantastic setting for our ArenaBowl championship game, but also aligns perfectly with our vision of integrating high-energy sports entertainment, with family-friendly and community-focused activities.”

The ArenaBowl joins an impressive list of recent and upcoming sporting events and activities at American Dream. The Harlem Globetrotters will host 16 games over 10 days during their residency from Aug. 16-25.

Earlier this year, the USA Curling National Championships were held from Jan. 29-Feb. 4, and the National Basketball Players Association and GLSE Sports produced the Throne — High School Basketball National Championships in March.

Other significant events and activations included: Pinstripe Pride — an autograph event in February featuring 60 former and current New York Yankees; NHL Stadium Series — where 19 NHL trophies (all but the Stanley Cup) were on display in the center and were complemented by NHL Esports and street hockey events; and COPA America activations. In December, Saquan Barkley and C.C. Sabathia hosted 150 kids at Nickelodeon Universe for their holiday caravan.

Arena football is perhaps best known for launching the career of NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner.

The league, however, has had financial troubles over the years. This season marks its first since 2019.