PHILADELPHIA SOUL TEAM HISTORY
On Sunday, April 13, 2003, the face of Philadelphia sports changed by an event taking place across the country – Jon Bon Jovi and Craig A. Spencer’s first taste of Arena Football. Bon Jovi and Spencer attended a Los Angeles Avengers game at the Staples Center, taking their first steps on a path that would bring another professional football franchise to the City of Brotherly Love.
By July 10, 2003, the Arena Football League’s Board of Directors had approved Bon Jovi and Spencer’s application to place a team in Philadelphia. Just over two months later the Soul roster began to take shape with the acquisition of the team’s first player – OL/DL Dwayne Missouri. A week later the tandem of Bon Jovi and Spencer – along with minority owner, Richie Sambora, and Team President, Ron Jaworski – stood under the shadow of the Rocky statue at the Wachovia Spectrum and officially introduced the Soul to the city.
It didn’t take long for Philadelphia to take notice. While the front office made key free agent acquisitions to further build the team, Philadelphia football fanatics feverishly jumped on board, leading to AFL-leading attendance, merchandise sales, and sponsorship numbers.
Meanwhile, the Soul organization also began to build a significant presence within the Philadelphia community, focusing greatly on charitable efforts. Whether it was organizing drives for books and canned food items, making hospital and school visits, or building a playground with the cast if MTV’s The Real World, the players, Soulmates, and front office staff were committed to doing good both on and off the field.
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