QUARTERBACK SAM CASTRONOVA RETURNS TO DEFEND TITLE IN 2023

The Albany Empire bring back 2022 Captain and Quarterback Sam Castronova for 2023 Season

Albany, NY: The Albany Empire announced today that the team has re-signed 2022 team captain and Quarterback, Sam Castronova, for the 2023 National Arena League season. Castronova was a new face in Albany last season but after taking over the starting Quarterback position in week two, he put together a resume in 2022 that has made him a fan favorite in the Capital Region. Castronova a native of Buffalo, NY played his college ball at Bethel University and soon after transitioned into the arena game.

Castronova had an impressive 2022 season while not only helping to lead the Empire to Back-to-Back National Arena League titles. Castronova also put together a season that had him toward the top of the league’s offensive player of the year conversation. After winning four offensive player of the week awards Castronova was amongst the league leaders in passing yards (2,639) and passing touchdowns (58) ranking second in both categories. Castronova however, also led the league in all rushing categories including yards (226) and touchdowns (15). Due to Sam’s abilities to stretch the field with his arm while extending plays with his legs helped the Empire to one of the leagues best Offenses in 2022.

“I am very glad to stay in my home state with the best organization in the National Arena League,” said Sam. Castronova went on to say, “I am looking forward to being back with my brothers and playing this game of football that we all love and most importantly focused on bring the 2023 National Arena League Championship back to Albany.”

About The Albany Empire

The Albany Empire was founded in 2018 and have won titles in the Arena Football League (AFL) in 2019 as well as the National Arena League (NAL) in 2021 and 2022. The Empire play their home games at the MVP Arena located at 51 South Pearl Street, Albany, NY. For more information about the Empire please email mwoods@albanyempirenal.com. For ticket sales and information please call (518)714-2200 Ext. 101 or Email tickets@albanyempirenal.com or visit albanyempirenal.com, facebook.com/AlbanyEmpireNAL, twitter.com/AlbanyEmpireNAL, instagram.com/albanyempirenal

About The National Arena League

The National Arena League was founded in 2016 and hosted its inaugural season in 2017 as the premier league in arena football. For more information regarding expansion opportunities or partnerships, contact Commissioner Chris Siegfried at chris@nationalarenaleague.com. For more information about the NAL visit www.nationalarenaleague.com, facebook.com/nationalarenaleauge, twitter.com/NALfootball, Instagram.com/nationalarenaleague.

About The MVP Arena

MVP Arena 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, MVP Arena opened in 1990 and is home to the Albany Empire of the National Arena League, the Albany Fire Wolves of the National Lacrosse League, and the Division I Men’s College Basketball Siena Saints. For more information, please visit https://www.mvparena.com/.