Would Birmingham make a good AAFL city

[Fran]

There was an article in the local paper about them being interested.

http://www.al.com/sports/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/sports/11544241276210.xml&coll=2

My question is they have had so many failed leagues (WLAF, CFL, XFL)there will fans support it, or is it a market that has been burned too many times.

Fran

[preeths]

I think the reason the city has been tried by so many leagues is that the fans continue to come out to support the teams. I have little doubt Birminghan would make a good AAFL city.

[Minor League Man]

Birmingham Stallions (USFL: 1983-1985)-Lasted all three years, one of the better-run teams, sent a lot of guys to the NFL, would have done better if the league had been run better.
Birmingham Fire (WLAF: 1991-1992)-Made the playoffs both of their seasons, now playing as NFL Europe's Rhein Fire.
Birmingham Barracudas (CFL: 1995)-Part of CFL's failed attempt at US expansion, too bad, because they made the playoffs in their only season.
Birmingham Thunderbolts (XFL: 2001)-The anomaly: worst record in the XFL, but only because of injuries

I'm completely sure the AAFL would restart Birmingham's legacy of winning minor league football. The fans supported teams four times before, they'll support them a fifth time.

[Pounder]

Burning question: where to play?

My understanding: while UAB plays at Legion Field, it's partially condemned. Slight problem in my book.

Anyone know the status on renovation or replacement?

[indoor fan]

This league may actually work. Seems to have a different approach than the last three outdoor professional leagues:
XFL 2001
SFL 2000
RFL 1999

[B'hamBlazer]

Burning question: where to play?

My understanding: while UAB plays at Legion Field, it's partially condemned. Slight problem in my book.

Anyone know the status on renovation or replacement?

Legion Field will be a suitable site. The upper deck (seating 10,000) was unstable and costs to repair it were deemed to be too excessive, so it was removed. The rest of the stadium is fine. In fact, the Birmingham Park & Recreation Board just spent alot of money taking out the natural grass and putting down the new artificial turf (the kind that looks natural... not the carpet stuff).

Legion Field hosts UAB, the newly created Birmingham Bowl, The Magic City Classic, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, the SWAC Championship, Alabama High School State Playoffs (as well as other high school football games), etc. so if it's a suitable venue for those events, it should be fine for the AAFL.

The lower bowl of Legion Field (even with the upper deck now removed) still seats approx. 72,000 so the capacity is plenty sufficient.

Many have the misconception that Birmingham has been a big failure when it comes to professional football. Quite to the contrary, Birmingham has always been one of the biggest supporters of their franchises over the years. Birmingham is not the failure... Birmingham, however, has been a part of failed LEAGUES.

I absolutely support the AAFL in pursuing a franchise for Legion Field. Birmingham's a football town and there's alot of talent around here.

[Mac the Knife]

If Birmingham isn't a strong candidate for an AAFL franchise, I don't know what city would be. Same with Memphis.