Baltimore ABA Questions

[tstidm]

Hi there,

Long time lurker, first time poster. Baltimore is now in the ABA for 2005-06. Is it me or from reading this board there are almost no quality Franchises in the ABA? Do they play in that city's biggest Arena? Do any of these teams promote their product? Should I not even think about attending a game as 2004-05 there won't be a league? Does this have the feeling of the IBL? I remember the Bayrunners and they didn't draw.

[South Atlantic]

Teams can survive the ABA surge but expansion needs to be curved and quality leaderships need to surface.

The Baltimore franchise is way too young and it is way to early to even know if they will begin next season. I say that because if teams dont get their act together this year, expansion teams may pull out to pursue other professional league opportunities.

The first thing that a franchise needs to do before they apply for a franchise is secure a venue. If a contract isnt drawn up, at least have a verbal agreement with college or city officials (whoever owns the gym). Their venue needs to be able to seat a few thousand but not more than 5,000. Too large of a venue means very large rental fee. Find a venue that allows the team to run their concessions and keep a high percentage.

Is this going to be another IBL? Only time will tell. If I am the owner or director of basketball operations of this, I begin promoting the team yesterday.

[Sam Hill]

Didn't the Baltimore BayRunners actually play at what is now the 1st Mariner Arena (the former Baltimore Arena, the main one downtown)?

Outside of Arkansas (Alltell) I can't think of an ABA team that plays in its city's "primary" arena. Does LA still plan to play at the Forum like the first (2000) ABA Stars did? Oh, wait, it's a church now, isn't it?

They'll probably play in Bowie or something.