Eagle Challenger Thrills Audiences During 2012 Football Season

The AEF’s eagle ‘Challenger’ and staff were busy as usual during the 2012 football season. Beginning with an appearance at the Titans vs Steelers Game in Nashville on October 11, other venues followed at a fast pace.  On October 28, they were in Philadelphia to perform during opening ceremonies at the Philadelphia Eagles vs Atlanta Falcons game. Within hours after Challenger flew at that game, Hurricane Sandy hit with all its fury and devastation, grounding the AEF team and Challenger for several days at their hotel. Then, on Nov. 4, having recovered from Sandy, they were in Houston for a Texans vs Bills game at Reliant Stadium. Challenger was greeted with a deafening roar as he flew flawlessly during the National Anthem.

(L-R) Eagle Challenger rehearses in Reliant stadium before game.
Challenger lands perfectly after a flawless fly-over during the National Anthem.
Texans owner Bob McNair, former President George Bush, AEF founder and president Al Cecere, and Challenger at the Texans vs Bills game.

2012 Texans vs Bills Video.

For many years, Challenger has flown during the opening ceremonies at the BCS Championship college football game. This year was no exception, and on Jan. 3, 2013, he again flew majestically during the final notes of our National Anthem at the 42nd Annual Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix.

2013 Fiesta Bowl Video