San Diego Riptide - af2 team (2002-05)

This Monday, the San Diego Strike Force Indoor Football League team will be honoring the 20th anniversary of the San Diego Riptide at their home opener against the Arizona Rattlers at Pechanga Arena.

Rico Curtis, the Riptide's only First Team All-af2 selection and the league's single-season tackler leader, will be getting his #37 retired as well as founder Gil Saidy will be flipping the coin before kickoff.

If you can make it to the game, please support San Diego's current indoor football team as well as relive the great Riptide memories from 2 decades ago.

Below is the Strike Force's official press release as well as ticket information.

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It has been 20 years since Arena Football made its debut in San Diego. Back in 2002, Gil Saidy founded the San Diego Riptide, a professional Arena Football team that was a member of the af2 league. The team called the San Diego Sports Arena home and would play four seasons here before the team folded in 2005.


The Strike Force plan to throw one heck of a homecoming party for professional football on March 28th. This city has not had a pro football team to cheer for in almost three years. One might argue that there hasn't been any real excitement about football in San Diego in over five. Thanks to the efforts of Strike Force President and CEO Vivian Lin, that's all about to change.


The Strike Force will play their 2022 home opener in the same building where it all started for the Riptide two decades ago, officially kicking off a new era of arena-style football in this city. As this team looks to the future, they'll honor and recognize two men who were a key part of the arena football's formative years in San Diego.

Saidy will join the Strike Force team captains on the field for the official coin toss prior to kickoff. The Strike Force also plan to retire the number of Rico Curtis, who is the af2's all-time tackles leader. Curtis was a football standout at San Diego State and played with the Riptide for all four of their seasons. He is the only player in Riptide history to have his number retired. Come March 28th, his number 37 will be the first number retired in Strike Force history.


If you haven't gotten your tickets yet for Monday night's game at the Pechanga Arena, you're going to want to get them now. Don't miss out on the most anticipated matchup of the season and all that will come with it! Exciting, Adrenaline-pumping action on the field accompanied by fun, family-friendly activities off it. Kickoff is set for 7:05 P.M. Pacific Time. We can't wait to get loud with you San Diego! Our guys are ready to put on a show for you!

Home - San Diego Strike Force

17 years ago, we kicked off a great five-year run. Let us know your favorite Riptide memories...

Here's what the front page of ArenaFan.com looks like right now with my article about the Riptide. A decade ago tonight the Riptide began playing.

http://www.arenafan.com/news/?page=origcol&writer=131&article=3244

It's with a heavy heart I share news of the passing of C.S. Keys, who was the PA announcer of the Riptide games. He was a vital member of our team and will be greatly missed. Please post your favorite memories of him to continue his legacy.

How time flies. It's been 15 years since the Riptide played its first game on April 6, 2002. We lost that night in OT to Bakersfield. Marty D. Graham set the af2 record with 404 all-purpose yards and we had nearly 10,000 fans in attendances. Please share you memories of that night or any other Riptide memory by responding to this post.

Here's what the front page of ArenaFan.com looks like right now with my article about the Riptide. A decade ago tonight the Riptide began playing.

http://www.arenafan.com/news/?page=origcol&writer=131&article=3244

13 years ago today, the Riptide played its first game. In honor of Riptide Day, here's the 2003 team photo that has been recently unearthed by Billy Precht at ClickeryPhotography.com

Photos from the 2002 Riptide Media Guide

Former San Diego Riptide WR/LB Steve Papin has been selected as one of ten finalists for the AFL Hall of Fame. Papin played five games for the Riptide in 2003. The AFL all-purpose legend had 13 grabs for 234 yards with four receiving scores. He also tossed a three-yard touchdown, had seven kick returns for 150 yards, recorded 6.0 tackles and recovered a fumble.

Please vote for Papin by going to the website below. If enshrined into the HOF this year, Papin would become the first player to play in the af2 to be inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame. Photo by Billy Precht/ClickeryPhotography.com.

http://www.arenafootball.com/hallfame/voting-2013.html

HAPPY RIPTIDE DAY EVERYONE!!! Eleven years ago today, the San Diego Riptide played its first game.