ALBANY, NY – Albany NLL, the Capital Region’s newly acquired professional box lacrosse team playing out of the Times Union Center this fall, today also announced that George Manias has been named Team President. Manias, the former President and Chief Operating Officer of the Albany Empire Arena Football League team, will oversee the immediate launch of the organization in the Capital Region. Manias will lead the day-to-day operations of the organization and assemble a front office staff as the first order of business.
“I could not be more excited to return home and join Oliver Marti, the entire ownership group, and the National Lacrosse League in bringing a professional Box Lacrosse team to Albany,” said Manias. “The Capital Region has proven that, if done correctly, they will show up and support their teams. Our plan is to replicate what made organizations here successful in the past by a continuing commitment to entrench ourselves in the community, by putting on a great game day experience, and winning championships!”
During his tenure with the Albany Empire,Manias was the architect that built the team from the ground up and brought the Capital Region an Arena Football League Championship in just the organization’s second season. Under his leadership, Manias assembled a football operations staff that led the league in wins in each of the team’s two seasons. The Empire also won many of the league’s seasonal awards, including Front Office of the Year in 2019.
“One of the biggest reasons we decided on Albany was because of our ability to hire George to lead our team,” said Oliver Marti, CEO of the team. “What George and his staff did here in the past allows us to hit the ground running and launch our team full steam ahead. The relationships that George and his team have built in the market should translate and help ensure our success for the long term. George’s history, energy and passion for the marketplace and league made Albany an easy decision for us.”
“We are proud to also announce the launch of our website, www.AlbanyNLL.com, and ask our fans to follow our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts: @AlbanyNLL on all platforms,” Manias added. “For more information about the team, fans can call the front office at 518-362-4900. We are officially open for business!”
About Albany NLL
Albany NLL is the Capital Region’s very own Professional Box Lacrosse team, playing in the National Lacrosse League beginning in the fall of 2021. For more information, contact the Albany NLL Front Office at (518) 362-4900 or by going to AlbanyNLL.com. Follow the team on Facebook at facebook.com/AlbanyNLL, Twitter @AlbanyNLL, and Instagram @AlbanyNLL.
About the National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional lacrosse league. Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 14 franchises across the United States and Canada: Albany NLL, Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, New York Riptide, Panther City Lacrosse Club (taking action on the floor in the 2021-22 season), Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock, and Vancouver Warriors. For more information, visit NLL.com and find the NLL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About ASM Global
ASM Global is the world’s leading venue management and services company. The company was formed by the combination of AEG Facilities and SMG, global leaders in venue and event strategy and management. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. From Aberdeen to Anchorage, and Sydney to Stockholm, its venues connect people through the unique power of live experiences. ASM Global’s diverse portfolio of clients benefit from the company’s depth of resources and unparalleled experience, expertise and creative problem solving. Each day, the company’s 61,000 passionate employees around the world deliver locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to deliver maximum results for venue owners and amazing experiences for guests. By consistently looking for new ways to envision, innovate and empower the spaces and places that bring people together, ASM Global elevates the human spirit while delivering the highest value for all stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.asmglobal.com.
About Times Union Center
Times Union Center is a full-service entertainment and sports facility featuring a wide variety of family shows, sporting events, trade shows and concerts. Owned by Albany County and managed by ASM Global, Times Union Center opened in 1990 and is home to the Albany Empire of the National Arena League and the Division I Men’s College Basketball Siena Saints. For more information, please visit www.timesunioncenter-albany.com.
