Buffalo AF2 Team?

[tbayz1]

I usually live over on the basketball forums, but I read this on another message board; Heard the team will be owned by a few ex-Buffalo Bills or something?

Anyone hear anything about this, just wondering?

I was a one year season ticket holder with the Destroyers, I liked the arena game, it was pretty exciting.

Thanks

[Indoorfootballguy]

Yeah, there will be two ex-Buffalo Bill player and the owner of the Rochester Raiders of the CIFL as the owners of the team. The Buffalo af2 team will probably have a lot of Raider players on the team, which is a good thing because they are like 8-0 or something this year. So if Buffalo fans want to get a good look at there team next year, watch a few Raider games. I doubt the whole Buffalo af2 team will have all the Raider players on it, but there will be a lot

[tbayz1]

Cool! Thanks for the response!

[blanketman]

The only way there will not be a team in Buffalo involves the hsbc lease.

[Ducej11]

I usually live over on the basketball forums, but I read this on another message board; Heard the team will be owned by a few ex-Buffalo Bills or something?

Anyone hear anything about this, just wondering?

I was a one year season ticket holder with the Destroyers, I liked the arena game, it was pretty exciting.

Thanks

baby steps, we just have to work a few things out first before it becomes official ;)

[The 8th Man]

This will be a team Buffalo can be proud of on and off the field.

[cRUSHer]

The only way
there will not be a team in Buffalo involves the hsbc lease.

since I only go to Buffalo, for BILLS games.GO BILLS ! ! !
I am not sure how many other arenas are there for
indoor soccer, hockey etc. I guess the Aud(itorium)
is going to be razed. Too bad it had great capacity.

I'm sure they'll get it all ironed out.

Now all they have to do is name the team
The BUFFALO BRUISERS , and borrow the
old Chicago Bruisers AFL helmet, logo & colors.
And get #5 from the AFL Bruisers as head coach !


thump ... thump ... thump ...thump .......
The _______ make me wanna' shout ! ! !

[exit322]

I assume this team has something to do with the craigslist want-ad someone pointed me to earlier today:

INVESTORS WANTED - Ever dream of owning a professional football team but did not know how to? Looking for an investor for a professional indoor football team in the Buffalo area. Everything is in place, just need investor, serious inquires only! Call Matt Reis at ************* or Justin Johnson at ************* (hid the phone numbers because it's not useful here).

[Ducej11]

I assume this team has something to do with the craigslist want-ad someone pointed me to earlier today:

INVESTORS WANTED - Ever dream of owning a professional football team but did not know how to? Looking for an investor for a professional indoor football team in the Buffalo area. Everything is in place, just need investor, serious inquires only! Call Matt Reis at ************* or Justin Johnson at ************* (hid the phone numbers because it's not useful here).

hahaha. No, that was long ago that was posted. Before there was any talk about Bob owning a team in buffalo. We were looking at the CIFL though. We actually had an investor lined up too. Then were talked to bob and the rest is history.

[The 8th Man]

That ad got more responses than the Buffalo News ad that ran for 2 weeks for $800!

Sorry Crusher it is The Buffalo Stampede, colors will be Blue, Red, White. Sound familiar? Two big guys may be coming along with us. Just need to HSBC to work with us a little. They have the gun pulled right now on us.

[ml91]

it is The Buffalo Stampede
This name was used by a professional roller hockey team several years ago; they won the championship one year, if I remember correctly.

[tbayz1]

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/story/354801.html

Looks like others have said, the lease is the only hold up.

[rams80]

This will be a team Buffalo can be proud of on and off the field.

Until the losses begin to rack up. :p

[ml91]

Until the losses begin to rack up. :p
I think that was the big problem with the Buffalo Destroyers AFL team. The team was horrible the first two seasons and many fans lost interest.

[The 8th Man]

I hope this helps fellas.

By the way the Destroyers did not fail here for lack of fans, here are the figures.

1999 1-13 12,013
2000 5-9 7,048
2001 6-8 8,026
2002 6-8 7,279
2003 5-11 7,622

This is with a team owner that had no idea how to market the team, could care less about the community, in fact, treated everyone terribly. This is with a team that could not win, you will have one of the most competetive teams in the league, a team that has won a championship and is looking for #2 right now and will only get stronger with key AF2 additions. Now you have an ownership group that will be a big part of the community and embrace it. Hopefully you will be pleasantly suprised.

With a guy like Thurman involved, the drive that Bob, Justin and I have we can put 7,000 people in the arena and easily be profitable at that point. 7,000 was the lowest attendance figures above and while this is AF2 it will be more affordable for family entertainment. This is a major league city, not a minor league city looking for freebies, we will put a good product on and off the field and that will matter, this city loves football, the Bills have not been to the playoffs or very competetive for 9 years yet have 80,000 fans at every home game in some tewrrible weather. They love football.

[Minor League Man]

I hope this helps fellas.

By the way the Destroyers did not fail here for lack of fans, here are the figures.

1999 1-13 12,013
2000 5-9 7,048
2001 6-8 8,026
2002 6-8 7,279
2003 5-11 7,622

This is with a team owner that had no idea how to market the team, could care less about the community, in fact, treated everyone terribly. This is with a team that could not win, you will have one of the most competetive teams in the league, a team that has won a championship and is looking for #2 right now and will only get stronger with key AF2 additions. Now you have an ownership group that will be a big part of the community and embrace it. Hopefully you will be pleasantly suprised.

With a guy like Thurman involved, the drive that Bob, Justin and I have we can put 7,000 people in the arena and easily be profitable at that point. 7,000 was the lowest attendance figures above and while this is AF2 it will be more affordable for family entertainment. This is a major league city, not a minor league city looking for freebies, we will put a good product on and off the field and that will matter, this city loves football, the Bills have not been to the playoffs or very competetive for 9 years yet have 80,000 fans at every home game in some tewrrible weather. They love football.
I heard they might be trying the af2 for just one or two years, then go AFL in 2010 or 2011.

That might actually work...

[exit322]

Don't forget the AFL's general attendance rule. 10,000 attendance means 5-6,000 fans actually showed up.

[ml91]

Don't forget the AFL's general attendance rule. 10,000 attendance means 5-6,000 fans actually showed up.
Not all AFL teams exaggerate attendance, but there are (and were) many who do. The New Jersey Red Dogs/Gladiators and the New York CityHawks used to announce attendance figures that were hilarious.

[The 8th Man]

I heard they might be trying the af2 for just one or two years, then go AFL in 2010 or 2011.

That might actually work...


There are no such plans at this time, the cost of AFL is staggering. If it was to work and for some reason Buffalo leaves town then it would probably happen, for now there are no plans to do that though.

[rams80]

I hope this helps fellas.

By the way the Destroyers did not fail here for lack of fans, here are the figures.

1999 1-13 12,013
2000 5-9 7,048
2001 6-8 8,026
2002 6-8 7,279
2003 5-11 7,622

This is with a team owner that had no idea how to market the team, could care less about the community, in fact, treated everyone terribly. This is with a team that could not win, you will have one of the most competetive teams in the league, a team that has won a championship and is looking for #2 right now and will only get stronger with key AF2 additions. Now you have an ownership group that will be a big part of the community and embrace it. Hopefully you will be pleasantly suprised.

With a guy like Thurman involved, the drive that Bob, Justin and I have we can put 7,000 people in the arena and easily be profitable at that point. 7,000 was the lowest attendance figures above and while this is AF2 it will be more affordable for family entertainment. This is a major league city, not a minor league city looking for freebies, we will put a good product on and off the field and that will matter, this city loves football, the Bills have not been to the playoffs or very competetive for 9 years yet have 80,000 fans at every home game in some tewrrible weather. They love football.

Umm...those numbers are not exactly good for an AFL team (outside of year one). And the minor league issue is important. Will folks want to show up for a minor league product?

[The 8th Man]

The buzz in the city right now is very good, already have fielded some calls on corporate sponsors wanting to jump on, Thurman adds a lot to this as well.

[Championbuilder]

I know it can be very exciting to start a business but please...please if your going to note all the positive aspects that may come out of this make sure you note all the negative aspects as well!

that way exit doesnt come on here next year and make you look really, really stupid! lol

Best to humble yourself now...and one way to do that is to stop thinking the Rochester Raiders "Roster" would dominate in the duece!

Bob, I wish you the best of luck. I hope you continue to take steps to put yourself in a secure position.

Josh

[The 8th Man]

I don't recall ever saying we would dominate with the Rochester raiders roster. We will use part of the roster, we will be assigned some players by the AF2 and we will hold tryouts. We will field a competetive team, I am not dumb enough to think we can just walk in there and dominate. I expect to be competetive and build and build and build every year. We will be successful both on and off the field. We look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

[Championbuilder]

Who is WE again?

[Championbuilder]

This is with a team owner that had no idea how to market the team, could care less about the community, in fact, treated everyone terribly. This is with a team that could not win, you will have one of the most competetive teams in the league, a team that has won a championship and is looking for #2 right now and will only get stronger with key AF2 additions.

[The 8th Man]

Who are you talking about? Not Bob that is for sure. He has treated nobody terribly, is involved with the community here. The marketing was not done by Bob, it was done by Dave. Bob just paid the bills when they came in. As far as Buffalo Bob has surrounded himself with 2 guys that know how to get in done with marketing and community involvement. Thurman Thomas is also big into taking care of the community so that will be a huge help. I guess you will have to keep hating and that is fine, you continue to be negative to every person in this forum, if your life is that miserable I am sorry for you. Enjoy your day.

[Championbuilder]

Look here poptart, I was talking about you! by the way I am asking again...who is you? lol

I find that Bob has been very abrasive and negative in the past himself. I actually like the position he is in now, mostly that he is getting away from Dave...better known as Cancer. Notice above free loader that I commended Bob on his next move.

Now you listen (read) here really close to this next part sunshine, now that I have read the ****job you just gave Bob... Dont come on here acting holy as Jesus. This is a forum for a reason... you can't take the heat and learn simple lessons from people then just stay off here. You want to call me out on here!!? LOL

Plenty of people have my number cupcake...go ahead and call and let me tell you a little story!

Now that I have said that Genius...READ YOUR POST FROM THE OTHER DAY...ALL I DID WAS QUOTE WHAT YOU SAID!

[Championbuilder]

By the way the Destroyers did not fail here for lack of fans, here are the figures.

1999 1-13 12,013
2000 5-9 7,048
2001 6-8 8,026
2002 6-8 7,279
2003 5-11 7,622

This is with a team owner that had no idea how to market the team, could care less about the community, in fact, treated everyone terribly. This is with a team that could not win, you will have one of the most competetive teams in the league, a team that has won a championship and is looking for #2 right now and will only get stronger with key AF2 additions. Now you have an ownership group that will be a big part of the community and embrace it. Hopefully you will be pleasantly suprised.

With a guy like Thurman involved, the drive that Bob, Justin and I have we can put 7,000 people in the arena and easily be profitable at that point. 7,000 was the lowest attendance figures above and while this is AF2 it will be more affordable for family entertainment. This is a major league city, not a minor league city looking for freebies, we will put a good product on and off the field and that will matter, this city loves football, the Bills have not been to the playoffs or very competetive for 9 years yet have 80,000 fans at every home game in some tewrrible weather. They love football.[/QUOTE]

[blanketman]

Josh, if you have read my quotes in this forum over the past 4 months, I have been very cordial to all indoor football "experts". This sport can be great,however, the constant negative responses doesnt help anybody.I mean think about it if af2, uif, cifl,aifa and ifl looked at themselves as allies rather than competitors would indoor football be better off?Would they be able to coordinate interleague games?allstar games?The goal for all people concerned ,hopefully, is to help the sport and develop the players right?

[Freedom]

Just need to HSBC to work with us a little. They have the gun pulled right now on us.

You should probably get used to that feeling,
you're going to be dealing with the AFL family.

[The 8th Man]

I guess you were too busy calling me names to realize I never questioned the quote. All I mentioned was that Bob was not in control of marketing, that he surrounded himself with 2 good people for Buffalo, not too mention Thurman Thomas and that all you bring to the table is a lot of negativity.

Relax, it is a forum, you can have your opinion, I simply made a comment on how negative you are, so maybe the heat is a little too much for you internet tough guy. Relax.

Bob knows what he is doing, he has a multi billion dollar company under his watch, he has good people with him in Buffalo and everything will be fine, if you consider that me blowing the guy then I guess we have to live with that, I show the guy some respect, something you could a little bit of to everyone on this board. You know it all, but have nothing to show for it, where is your team? Wal-mart not paying well enogh these days?

[exit322]

I mean think about it if af2, uif, cifl,aifa and ifl looked at themselves as allies rather than competitors would indoor football be better off?

Yes, the sport would. But throughout the sport, there will never be full alliances like that. The AIFA wants to get rid of the other leagues (but they have no shot). The AF2 was created to get rid of all of the non-netted leagues (and they've failed miserably). The UIF and IFL are working together, and a merger because of it wouldn't shock me. The CIFL has no interest in that sort of thing, and I don't see that changing. There are too many egos (and too many agendas, really) for all of the leagues to work together in such a fashion.

[Championbuilder]

Bob,

Look up the Sam Adams / Ken Griffey Jr. defunct team in Cinci. Make sure you fully know what your going into and better yet still who with.

Your a smart man on a solid base but your experience comes from a Dave McCarthys semi pro group. Granted everyone learned through the seasons how to do things better and better but maybe a trip to Cleveland will help you out?

8th man,

I got a lot of messages on your status...Not wasting any time on you!
On that note...yeah, I am at walmart. lol

[The 8th Man]

Sure you have a lot of messages because you are so well liked on here. I am willing to bet you have not received one message involving me at all, keep living in that fantasy world. Glad you have decided to move on.

Exit,

I think the leagues could work together and if they want what is best for all involved they would someone all become one solid league.

[blanketman]

Sam Adams had no business running a football team. Everett was another of his ventures that had the same result. Listen,my intentions are to make it work in both Rochester and Buffalo. Whats most important on my mind is Saginaw next week. By the way their top Defensive End just resigned from the team. Drama in cifl continues lol. But so what it happens everywhere.

[exit322]

Exit,

I think the leagues could work together and if they want what is best for all involved they would someone all become one solid league.

I don't ever see it happening, unless there is a massive shift in every indoor league's focus. The UIF and IFL both think they're better than the AIFA and CIFL (and right now, they're probably right). The AIFA wants to take everyone else out in one of its grandiose schemes. The CIFL has said publicly they're happy doing what they do, and see no reason to espand with other leagues. And of course the AF2 won't ever work with any indoor league; they were created, and still work, to get rid of all the indoor leagues (after the AFL lost its lawsuit against the PIFL/IPFL).

[ml91]

And of course the AF2 won't ever work with any indoor league; they were created, and still work, to get rid of all the indoor leagues (after the AFL lost its lawsuit against the PIFL/IPFL).
Actually the Arena Football League reached an out of court settlement with the Professional Indoor Football League in 1998. I don't think that the AFL was too concerned with the PIFL anymore after it became obvious that most of the PIFL teams had weak ownership. I think that what really concerned the AFL - and was the inspiration for af2 - was the Indoor Football League, which began play in 1999 and was owned by Keary Ecklund, who comes from a very wealthy family.

[Sykotyk]

ml91, all the AFL 'won' in that settlement was that the PIFL/IPFL teams and league had to put disclaimers on the web and programs, etc, stating they are not affiliated with the AFL.

Not exactly the crushing victory the AFL had in mind when they first sued their adversary.

Sykotyk

[Championbuilder]

I just read your last message...here on Sunday after your cancelled game and dropping out of the league...

I hope you can retain your money from the League. I cannot believe they refused your deposit...must be they didnt have it.

I hope in the court of law you can get it back! Let me know if there is anything I can do to aid you in that process.

[exit322]

Sources tell me the offer was the deposit less fines accrued by the Raiders - but I don't know any amounts.

[preeths]

And of course the AF2 won't ever work with any indoor league; they were created, and still work, to get rid of all the indoor leagues (after the AFL lost its lawsuit against the PIFL/IPFL).

To be clear, the AFL did not lose the suit against the PIFL. It was settled before trial. In essence, the PIFL got what it wanted.

[exit322]

To be clear, the AFL did not lose the suit against the PIFL. It was settled before trial. In essence, the PIFL got what it wanted.

Which is just as good as a loss. Though not technically a loss, it was still one. Kinda like the old Harvard article "Harvard wins 29-29"

[preeths]

Not really. I believe the AFL knew all along they had no shot in court. After all, they knew what their patent covered, and their lawyers certainly knew what couldn't be patented. They really hoped the PIFL would buckle, either from fear or legal fees. When that didn't work, they at least were able to get the league to add the disclaimer and turn over all copies of AFL materials such as ops manuals and rule books. At that point the IFL was just a glimmer in Keary Ecklund's eye.

[blanketman]

Sources tell me the offer was the deposit less fines accrued by the Raiders - but I don't know any amounts.
misappropriated use of funds.The reality is that was an escrow account fund. Its purpose was to stop no shows. Once a team pays there 10 k , the league has the ability with signatures of the ownership groups to release the money.They put a 5,000 fine on our organization for arguing with eric about the lack of cooperation from any other team paying.Utterly rediculous They told me they would send me 4800 three months from now; right.Our team lost 20 plus thousand at the game . The cifl lost all sorts of credibility with our fans, and then they say"you playing or what". The cifl has along way to go. Wish the teams well. I hope eric and Jeff can figure out a way to have their teams pay the league dues. Right now, thats not happening.

[exit322]

The cifl lost all sorts of credibility with our fans, and then they say"you playing or what". The cifl has along way to go. Wish the teams well. I hope eric and Jeff can figure out a way to have their teams pay the league dues. Right now, thats not happening.

If this kills your attendance, then you're not doing what is necessary to draw fans. Marion had the same thing happen as you last year...and attendance this year is about 20% higher than last (2500-2100). You can make lemons with lemonade; you've simply chosen not to.

[Freedom]

misappropriated use of funds.The reality is that was an escrow account fund. Its purpose was to stop no shows. Once a team pays there 10 k , the league has the ability with signatures of the ownership groups to release the money.They put a 5,000 fine on our organization for arguing with eric about the lack of cooperation from any other team paying.Utterly rediculous They told me they would send me 4800 three months from now; right.Our team lost 20 plus thousand at the game . The cifl lost all sorts of credibility with our fans, and then they say"you playing or what". The cifl has along way to go. Wish the teams well. I hope eric and Jeff can figure out a way to have their teams pay the league dues. Right now, thats not happening.

Out of curiosity, what would you put your losses at had the game been played?

[blanketman]

Losses come in refunds to the sponsorships that did not have a sixth game.18,000 which is about 1/6th of our monies for the year. Furthermore, marion did not give the 10 k security deposit last year. That is all i was asking back , not the loses from the game.In addition 7-10 k in gate receipts.

[Freedom]

I understand you wouldn't ask the league to compensate for
losses, I was just curious if you lose money on games played.

As far as sponsorship monies are concerned, you are on your
own there. You could have played out the three (potential)
playoff games and fulfilled your end of the contracts and
then some. I'm sure your sponsors would have been thrilled
about their investment, not to mention the fans and your
players. But you made the call to end your season prematurely.

[gladiator63]

i play for the buffalo gladiators..but i have 2 questions about this new indoor team..are they going to hold open tryouts? and do they pay you to play at that level? thanks!

[Ducej11]

You would be paid as a player and yes, there would be open tryouts.

[hamiltonfan]

is there an more info about the team? is it sill going to happen? tryout info. thanks

[The TRUTH]

There is nothing happening in Buffalo in 2009 in any indoor league.
ps - The Bills suck.

[icon]

Does anybody know if there is going to be an indoor team in buffalo in 2010