Columbus Destroyers - Memorable Destroyers Moments

Memorable Destroyers Moments

First Game

• On April 30, 1999 Columbus played their first game as the Buffalo Destroyers. They lost to the New England Sea Wolves 59-26 in Marine Midland Arena in front of 13,214 fans. They finished with a 1-13 record that year, thus failing to qualify for the playoffs in their inaugural season.

First Playoff Game

• It took their second season to post a playoff position, with their only five wins coming as a five game winning streak before dropping their season finale in San Jose. Their playoff game against the Arizona Rattlers took place on July 27, 2000 with a crowd of 9,471 at the US Airways Center (then named America West Arena, dubbed "the Snake Pit")in Phoenix. The Rattlers trumped the Destroyers with a 41-34 decision and knocking Buffalo out of the playoffs.

Last Game in Buffalo

• The team hosted the New York Dragons on May 11, 2003 in front of 6,116 at HSBC Arena. The Destroyers lost the game 49-30 as they headed to Nationwide Arena in Columbus.

Last Game as Buffalo

• In front of 9,701 fans at the Thomas and Mack Center, the team lost to the then Las Vegas Gladiators by a score of 55-38 on May 15, 2003

Move to Columbus

• The team moved to Columbus after the 2003 season. They played their first home game against the Carolina Cobras and lost 54-53 in front of a team record 17,171 fans.

Road to Arena Bowl XXI

• On July 7, 2007 they upset the heavily favored Dallas Desperados who had a regular season record of 15-1. ESPN ranked it as one of history's top upsets.

• One week later on July 14th, 2007 The Destroyers reached their first Arena Bowl after defeating the heavily favored 14-2 Georgia Force 66-56.
• The playoff run ended on July 29 when they played the San Jose Sabercats in ArenaBowl XXI. After the Destroyers played great football during the first half, they seemed to lose some momentum during the second half. In the end they lost to the Cats 55-33 in front of a sellout New Orleans Arena crowd.