Third Eye Blind to Headlne ArenaBowl XX

The Arena Football League has announced that Third Eye Blind will be the centerpiece of its halftime festivities during ArenaBowl XX in Las Vegas on June 11. The band, made famous by the 1997 single “Semi Charmed Life,” will also perform a 75-minute postgame concert for fans in attendance.

‘We are thrilled to provide our fans with a renowned group such as Third Eye Blind for the halftime show and postgame concert,” said Joe Vrankin, president of AFL Events. “This year, fans will be welcomed onto the field after the conclusion of the game for all postgame festivities, including the Foster ArenaBowl trophy presentation and the Third Eye Blind concert. We are committed to providing our fans with a total entertainment experience and that is exactly what we’ve put together for ArenaBowl XX.”

Third Eye Blind’s self-titled debut album sold six million copies. Follow-up albums “Blue” and “Out of the Vein” have spawned the hit singles “Never Let You Go” and “Blinded.”

Tickets for ArenaBowl XX at the Thomas & Mack Center – prices range from $12 to $75 – are currently available via the league’s Web site (www.arenabowl.com ) or calling 1-866-AFL-TIXS.

TERRIFIC TRIO: The Arena Football League Writers Association has narrowed its ballot for Player of the Year honors down to three players: Colorado offensive specialsit Damian Harrell, Dallas quarterback Clint Dolezel and San Jose quarterback Mark Grieb.

Harrell recorded 1,920 yards and a league-high 60 touchdowns on 152 receptions during the regular season. The former Florida State Seminole also tied a league record by catching at least one TD pass in 65 consecutive games. The Crush are the defending ArenaBowl champions.

Dolezel completed 375 of 572 passes (65.6 percent) for 4,623 yards and 105 TDs against only 11 interceptions and takes a 122 passer rating into the playoffs. The Desperados won a league-high 13 games in 2006.

Grieb enjoyed a record-breaking regular season, throwing for 4,841 yards. He completed 396 of 606 passes for 83 TDs and a 116.5 passer rating – helping the SaberCats claim the Western Division title despite a slow start. San Jose is riding a seven-game win streak into the playoffs.

FAST FACT: Arizona’s 57-34 playoff victory over the expansion Utah Blaze on May 20 marked the Rattlers’ seventh straight home win.

(Neil Fuller is a member of the Arena Football League Writers Association and currently covers the expansion Kansas City Brigade. Fuller also covered the now-defunct Carolina Cobras from 2000-2002.)