UIF/IFL Merger: Live Coverage

[phydeaux72]

I'm sorry this is a bit late.

A radio station in Sioux Falls is doing extensive coverage of the event starting at 3:00 PM. Your fans and media in your markets can listen to the coverage online at www.kwsn.com. There is a Listen Live link at the top of the page. Just click that and fans can listen to the coverage.

[BananaCat]

My government office prevents listening to that link. If you have any details of items already released, I'd appreciate a post here. Thx.

[Aaronhere]

Caught parts....Do they really think they can compete with the AFL? They are not close in terms of attendance, salary and arena capacity. The announcers on the station are even questioning the validity of the new league's claims.

[phydeaux72]

Caught parts....Do they really think they can compete with the AFL?

Those were Dan Blum's words. And I'm pretty sure he meant to just say "af2".

By the way, here's the logo:

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj271/phydeaux72/IFL-Primary-Color.jpg

[preeths]

Caught parts....Do they really think they can compete with the AFL? They are not close in terms of attendance, salary and arena capacity. The announcers on the station are even questioning the validity of the new league's claims.

That quote came from IFL Commissioner Dan Blum, and he really didn't expound on it. My guess is that he believes the IFL can compete with and surpass the AFL and af2 in terms of number of markets, not fans per game, salary, etc. Interviews with Sioux Falls' Colin Steen and Louisiana's Thom Haeger made it clear that the league intends to continue to concentrate on small-to-mid markets, so they're not looking to take down the AFL or anything.

Other interesting items from the press conference: This deal has been in the works for more than a year. Former UIF Commissioner Dakota Crow and Odessa owner Tommy Benizio have a three-year friendship and apparently laid much of the groundwork for the merger. Crow thanked former UIF Commissioner Paul Aaron for putting together the nuts and bolts and completing the deal on UIF's side. More than one person mentioned a 20-team league and expansion.

The commissioner position and league office positions are open, and both Blum and Aaron have been encouraged to apply.

[Indoorfootballguy]

They will never surpass the af2, but they could surpass the AFL if they keep losing teams

[chardale]

They will never surpass the af2, but they could surpass the AFL if they keep losing teams Oh but they could very well pass the A2, and maybe as soon as this yr or I mean for the 09 season. If you only knew what is in the works for next week, and it is being kept mum for now, but sometimes bigger is better as some on the other boards have said that they would like to see. Only the strong WILL SURVIVE.

[exit322]

I am glad they are using the IFL name. I always remember from talking to fans from the olden days how much they all liked the IFL, despite its problems (I started following the sport in 2001).

This is not a death knell to the CIFL and AIFA, though. Both of those leagues can survive, but they have to prove capable of being competent football leagues. If the CIFL hires good people for the positions they have available at this time, that would be a great first step.

[Indoorfootballguy]

Both the CIFL and AIFA could be finished if both leagues have another bad year

[exit322]

That quote came from IFL Commissioner Dan Blum, and he really didn't expound on it. My guess is that he believes the IFL can compete with and surpass the AFL and af2 in terms of number of markets, not fans per game, salary, etc. Interviews with Sioux Falls' Colin Steen and Louisiana's Thom Haeger made it clear that the league intends to continue to concentrate on small-to-mid markets, so they're not looking to take down the AFL or anything.

Other interesting items from the press conference: This deal has been in the works for more than a year. Former UIF Commissioner Dakota Crow and Odessa owner Tommy Benizio have a three-year friendship and apparently laid much of the groundwork for the merger. Crow thanked former UIF Commissioner Paul Aaron for putting together the nuts and bolts and completing the deal on UIF's side. More than one person mentioned a 20-team league and expansion.

The commissioner position and league office positions are open, and both Blum and Aaron have been encouraged to apply.

And that's where they should concentrate. Most all of the successful franchises in the sport fit this mold. But good owners are more important than anything else.

I like how the commissioner position is open, and both were "encouraged" to apply. That probably translates to "if you think you can do this, please apply...we don't have one, and the ones we had won't be joining us."

[exit322]

Both the CIFL and AIFA could be finished if both leagues have another bad year

Yes, but this has absolutely nothing to do with the IFL. They're both in deep trouble regardless of what happened with any other leagues.

[chardale]

Yes, but this has absolutely nothing to do with the IFL. They're both in deep trouble regardless of what happened with any other leagues. But they Both could be,,,,what if the strongest teams of both CIFL and AIFA that were within lets say an 8hr drive WERE to apply and join, that would leave what? 3/4 teams from each left out, I have a feeling this could be what might happen. Watch and see.

[Indoorfootballguy]

Do you think teams like Milwaukee, Fort Wayne, Chicago, and Rock River might join the IFL?

[SignGuyDino]

I think the IFL needs to do an All-Star game. I propose they have it in Asheville....











...











(runs)

[SignGuyDino]

They got a page on Wiki already: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indoor_Football_League

[chardale]

Do you think teams like Milwaukee, Fort Wayne, Chicago, and Rock River might join the IFL?
Milwaukee is going A2,,,DONE DEAL,,,,,,,,,,FT Wayne is weak ownership and might be on their own, CHICAGO and RR,,,,well,,,lets just see what happends in the next few weeks. There is something in the works so it seems.

[Indoorfootballguy]

I meant the Bonecrushers, but I doubt the IFL would expand to Milwaukee with the Bonecrushers, because the af2 will be there in 2009

[chardale]

I meant the Bonecrushers, but I doubt the IFL would expand to Milwaukee with the Bonecrushers, because the af2 will be there in 2009
Bonecrushers are DONE. They gave away their eqpt as payment to players because they DID NOT have the money to pay them :D

[Minor League Man]

Milwaukee is going A2,,,DONE DEAL,,,,,,,,,,FT Wayne is weak ownership and might be on their own, CHICAGO and RR,,,,well,,,lets just see what happends in the next few weeks. There is something in the works so it seems.
Until I see an announcement on the af2 website, I don't consider it a "done deal".

[Indoorfootballguy]

Proof? Until I see it I don't believe it

[chardale]

Until I see an announcement on the af2 website, I don't consider it a "done deal". OK,,,there is going to be A2 there in Milwaukee. Just because league doesn't let it out already. Do u need to ask Brian, or Drew or Barry or Chris. It's a done deal.

[Indoorfootballguy]

It is, the af2 will announce it at the ArenaCup

[chardale]

It is, the af2 will announce it at the ArenaCup
THANK YOU Have a nice day and your welcome on the info