Pirates championship banner flies at Logan International
The Massachusetts Pirates, Champions of the Indoor Football League, have its championship banner on display at Boston’s Logan International Airport. Today, The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) honored the Bay State’s latest champion by unfurling the banner from the rafters of Terminal C alongside those of Boston’s other iconic franchises including the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox, Pride and Cannons.
Massachusetts won its first ever title by defeating the Arizona Rattlers in the United Bowl this past September as kicker Garrett Hartley booted a game winning 31-yard field goal in overtime for a 37-34 victory at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. The Pirates championship season saw the franchise post its best record with an 11-3 mark. They then ran the table with three straight playoff victories, ending the season with an 11-game winning streak.
Jawad Yatim, the Founder, Co-Owner, President and General Manager of the organization sees today’s festivities as a “special honor” for the franchise and was asked if he imagined this when he started the organization in 2018.
“It wasn’t my initial thought, obviously, but I knew how talented we were and what we brought to the table. I knew eventually that we’d win a championship but to see this happen it’s certainly surreal especially being from here and flying out of here all the time. Just to see your banner up there with all the other organizations in the area and honestly some of the best organizations in the world period is obviously an honor. It’s truly a special honor for us and we look forward to it not being our last banner.” Yatim said.
Pirates quarterback Alejandro Bennifield and defensive lineman Toby Johnson were also in attendance at the unveiling. Bennifield was named the United Bowl’s Most Valuable Player and explained that, “Now we’re looking to rebuild and repeat.” Toby Johnson summarized his initial reaction as the banner was unveiled as, “Happy and proud but I’m ready to get to work.”
Todd Smith, Director of Aviation Operations at Massport was one of the representatives from the airport that attended the event and said, “We congratulate the Massachusetts Pirates on winning their first national championship and earning a spot in our Celebration of Champions exhibit,” Smith continued by explaining the significance of the Celebration of Champions exhibit at the airport by saying, “Here in New England, we are proud to be the home of so many great athletes and sports teams. We have several exhibits at Logan Airport that highlight men and women who have made a mark on their communities, the Commonwealth and the region’s rich history. We hope passengers take a moment to check out these exhibits as they travel through the airport.”
The Pirates will also have a championship banner on display at the Worcester Regional Airport as well as being represented in a sports video montage.
The 2021 United Bowl Champions; Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Pirates play all home games at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center located at 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA, 01608. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508)452-MASS (6277), email [email protected] or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com. For 2022 season, half-season, luxury, or group ticket packages please call 508-452-MASS (6277) or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com/tickets. Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates.
