Atlanta, GA January, 30 2005 Opening Night at Philips Arena could not have been any more exciting as the hometown Georgia Force returned to Philips Arena for the first time in almost 3 years to battle the New Orleans VooDoo. The game was originally scheduled for Saturday, but due to the ¼ inch sheet of ice that covered the entire metro-Atlanta area - the game was delayed until Sunday. While the weather was still cold and a little icy, it did not stop the crowd of over 11,000 from seeing a great game and the Force out score the VooDoo 46-44.

In the opening quarter, the Force was inside the five-yard line twice but come up short both times with no points and two turnovers (1 interception, 1 fumble). The VooDoo held a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter from an Andy Kelly to Jacquez Rumph 11 yard touchdown pass. The action in first quarter between the teams might not have been best, but the Aaron’s Dream Seat Challenge made up for it. Two teams of two competed in a race where one competitor from each team ran to mid-field and dressed themselves in a Georgia Force uniform then, they had to catch a pass from the other teammate. The receiver who first made it back to the goal line fully dressed out would be the winner and get the chance to sit in 2 of 4 Aaron’s Dream Seats.

The second quarter was a change of pace compared to the first with 27 points being scored between the two teams. Jim Kubiak, quarterback of the Force, threw two touchdown passes only to be matched by Andy Kelly of the VooDoo. Each team had successful field goal tries, but the VooDoo did miss an extra point on one of the TD passes. What would later turn out to be a game changing play Robert Thomas, Georgia Force LB/RB, sacked Kelly in the endzone for a safety. The Force led the VooDoo at the halftime by the score of 19-16.

The halftime show was a success with rapper and Atlanta native Big Boi of Outkast. He performed 4 up-beat, high-energy songs that electrified the crowd.

The VooDoo started the second half behind, but it would not be for down long. On their first drive of the third quarter, Kelly hooked up with Rumph for the second time for a 19 yard touchdown making it 23-19. The Force was quick to respond by marching down the field closing the drive with a one yard touchdown run from Robert Thomas, PAT by Garner was no good, 23-25 Force lead. The two teams traded touchdown passes to end the third quarter, and the Force led 30-32.

The Voodoo opened the fourth quarter with the ball only to give it up when Kelly threw an interception to Diallero Burks of the Force and returned it to the 25 yard line. The Force quickly took advantage with a three play drive topped off by a seven yard touchdown pass from Kubiak to Luke Leverson giving the Force a nine point lead, 30-39. The VooDoo would score two more times, but the Force was able to score once more as well and recover an onside kick with 00:16 left that sealed the deal. The Force opened the season with 44-46 win with the safety being the difference in the game.
Before the game, fans were able to visit the Aaron’s table in the main concourse where they could receive Aaron’s miniature footballs, 312 koozies, and register for a chance win a 1955 Chevy Bel-Air. Two lucky fans were chosen by the Aaron’s Dream Girls to sit in the best seats in the house, the Aaron’s Dream Seats. The Georgia Force’s next game will be in Los Angeles Friday Feb. 4th while the next home game will be at 7:00 on Saturday Feb. 12 at Philips Arena. Aaron’s racing will get started up February 11 and 12 in Orlando with the Butler Brothers, Ken III and Brett, racing in the Aaron’s Pro Challenge Dream Series.