Laredo Pulls Out

[yellowpages]

Laredo has told the IFL that they will no longer be part of the IFL. The ownership there is looking at two other leagues. The IFL has teams locked into 10 year agreements but, apparently there are some issues that may show a breach of contract by the IFL. The similar reasons the IFL gave the NIFL in the law suit from last year.

IFL President has made public statements that Lubbock, Katy, Houston, Ft. Worth, Frisco, Tyler and Monterrey Mexico are all going to the IFL as expansion teams. The first four teams/markets mentioned above are absolutely not going to the IFL. It is true that they had looked at the IFL but, it is completely false that they have any intentions to go there. Tyler may be a possibility and Monterrey is weighing others options but, not sure that having a team there is viable.

[phydeaux72]

Laredo has told the IFL that they will no longer be part of the IFL. The ownership there is looking at two other leagues. The IFL has teams locked into 10 year agreements but, apparently there are some issues that may show a breach of contract by the IFL. The similar reasons the IFL gave the NIFL in the law suit from last year.

IFL President has made public statements that Lubbock, Katy, Houston, Ft. Worth, Frisco, Tyler and Monterrey Mexico are all going to the IFL as expansion teams. The first four teams/markets mentioned above are absolutely not going to the IFL. It is true that they had looked at the IFL but, it is completely false that they have any intentions to go there. Tyler may be a possibility and Monterrey is weighing others options but, not sure that having a team there is viable.

Unless you're willing to provide sources, then the above information is nothing more than rumors. Either give us links to newspaper articles or gives names, dates & times of TV/Radio stations that have aired such statements.

[phydeaux72]

Furthermore, if Laredo even plays next season, it will be in the IFL. The af2 lasted one season there. However, I'm sure the NIFL would be more than happy to take his dues for next season. The Laredo Law of the af2 had approximately 6500 at their 2004 home opener. Then finished the season averaging less than 2200 fans per game. This past season in the IFL, their highest attended game had 1200 fans and that was because most of those tickets were given away. And the only public statement that I've seen made about Lubbock and Ft. Worth joining the IFL was made by Vela himself, stating that the league was going to have teams in those two cities, right after he told the press that he was excited about being back in the IFL next season. Sounds to me like the guy is talking out of both sides of his mouth and the IFL is probably better off without him anyway.

I have pretty close contact with one of the league owners and have been in contact with both of them on several occassions. They have often said that they are LOOKING at certain cities as sites for future expansion teams but have never come out and said that they ARE DEFINATELY putting teams in a city unless they are certain that it's a lock. I've even asked about Katy, as well as Frisco, several times and to this day they say that it's up in the air.

Like I said, if you're going to come in here spewing this kind of crap, then provide some sources to back it up. Otherwise, go spread your rumors somewhere else.

[Carrottop2386]

It wouldn't suprise me if they did pull out but their owner seems excited for the new IFL season. Plus, what league would take them after last season?

[yellowpages]

I am neither a rumor monger nor do I "spew crap" as you so politely expressed. Apparently I've hit a nerve.

This information has been spoken directly from the horse's (we'll call it a herd) mouths.

The IFL has publically stated that the mentioned teams in this thread are coming to the IFL. I didn't start the propaganda, they did. I'm just clarifying that, while they looked into the IFL, they have no intention of going to the IFL. Why promote something they do not have?

[Minor League Man]

Why do you say Fort Worth is not joining the IFL? Why? Do you have proof?

[Ransom]

Yellow pages sounds like a nerve was hit, likely his! Furthermore, he sounds as if he would like to discredit a maturing IFL to further an agenda not yet revealed (at least here). Watch out he could be exploring a new league out of Houston that will have no chance if they intend to get ahead by rummoring negatives about other leagues. Hard work pays off big fella!

[yellowpages]

I have absolutely no interest in exploring a new league out of Houston. Not sure who would.

We can play the "proof it" game all day long. Does anyone on this thread have proof that the teams mentioned on this thread are definitely going to the IFL?

You're right, I should stay away from the negative and stick with the facts that Laredo is looking at other options (AF2) and that the other mentioned teams are not going to the IFL.

If the Odessa owner was the one strictly running the IFL, I think everyone would agree that it would be in everyone's best interest.

[PIONEERSFAN101]

I have a source in Amarillo who has told me "Amarillo will not be in the same division as Oklahoma City next year" because "there are three new teams coming in" When asked who they were he said he wouldn't say much yet. Perhaps the Lobos are one of these new teams?

I guess we won't know until early September-ish.

[yellowpages]

There has been AF2 interest in Ft. Worth, Wichita Falls, Lubbock, Houston and Laredo.

Corpus Christi would be a good market/venue for the AF2 as well as San Antonio. Outside of that, I'm not sure what else in Texas would be a good fit for the AF2 as far as markets and venues go.

[Minor League Man]

Or maybe the Lobos could be an inagural PIFL team?

[yellowpages]

I haven't heard that but, who knows. Not sure the PIFL will get off the ground this year. It appears most of their efforts have been in the Northwest and the Midwest.

[phydeaux72]

Laredo can "look at the af2" all they want. It ain't gonna happen. Like I said in my original post, the af2 has already taken a stab at Laredo once and failed miserably. If (and that's a big "IF") the af2 EVER goes back to Laredo, it won't happen for a few years. Laredo will not be in the af2 next season. Period. If they don't play in the IFL next season, I'd bet my next paycheck that they don't play at all.

Imagine for a moment. I come into this forum and announce that "Chad Dittman has publicly stated that yellopages moonlights as a crossdresser." Yet, I can't provided proof of such public statement, then it doesn't hold much water. Now, does it?

You claim that the IFL itself has publicly made these statements. So, back it up. Provide sources. Until then, politely go spew your crap rumors somewhere else.

[rams80]

I have a source in Amarillo who has told me "Amarillo will not be in the same division as Oklahoma City next year" because "there are three new teams coming in" When asked who they were he said he wouldn't say much yet. Perhaps the Lobos are one of these new teams?

I guess we won't know until early September-ish.

Will the af2 ever learn that overexpansion is bad? Or will it take the death of the entire league? Or is it just that the AFL needs more cash with the end of the NBC deal?

[preeths]

af2 returned all but one team this year. What's your evidence they overexpanded?

[yellowpages]

What the IFL has told teams. Not a reliable source in regards to Laredo I suppose.

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17051166&BRD=2290&PAG=461&dept_id=473477&rfi=6

What Dittman said in the San Angelo paper.

http://www.sanangelostandardtimes.com/sast/sp_stampede/article/0,2587,SAST_22138_4914426,00.html

I stand by my Laredo statement and my statements that none of those teams listed in those articles are going IFL. Where's your proof that they are going to the IFL? Do you really believe anything Dittman says? We can play this "prove it" game as long as you want to. If you have no proof, then look in the mirror in regard to "spewing crap".

Amarillo AF2 has new ownership. Lubbock has locked down their lease at their venue for 2007. The former Amarillo ownership can only go in there if the current Lubbock ownership sells the team to them. Possible but, not likely. Lubbock going AF2, possible. Absolutely not IFL under current ownership.

Katy is either going AF2 or staying in the NIFL.

Ft. Worth is looking AF2.

A group looking at Houston is looking AF2.

Frisco, absolutely not IFL if they have a team at all.

San Antonio venues won't look at anything less then the AFL.

Tyler ???? Monterrey ????

[Pounder]

First off, just a nit to pick here. Yellowpages, you said the following:

IFL President has made public statements that Lubbock, Katy, Houston, Ft. Worth, Frisco, Tyler and Monterrey Mexico are all going to the IFL as expansion teams. The first four teams/markets mentioned above are absolutely not going to the IFL. It is true that they had looked at the IFL but, it is completely false that they have any intentions to go there. Tyler may be a possibility and Monterrey is weighing others options but, not sure that having a team there is viable.

You have not proven this with the quotes you provided. The "POSSIBLE" expansion is obviously being name-dropped, and I perceive the Intense to be begging, but the terms are couched in the shroud of "possibility." There's a major difference in that, believe it or not.

This does NOT mean you are wrong about the IFL not getting these teams. Obviously, these things are under negotiation. It does baffle me that markets that have worn on AFL and af2 would consider reapplying, frankly. OTOH, I can understand why some people would think joining a "regional league" smacks of "small-time." In many ways, it's a well-worn path... just not for this sport. I'm probably glad I'm not making these decisions as a team owner.

[phydeaux72]

What the IFL has told teams. Not a reliable source in regards to Laredo I suppose.

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17051166&BRD=2290&PAG=461&dept_id=473477&rfi=6

What Dittman said in the San Angelo paper.

http://www.sanangelostandardtimes.com/sast/sp_stampede/article/0,2587,SAST_22138_4914426,00.html

I stand by my Laredo statement and my statements that none of those teams listed in those articles are going IFL. Where's your proof that they are going to the IFL? Do you really believe anything Dittman says? We can play this "prove it" game as long as you want to. If you have no proof, then look in the mirror in regard to "spewing crap".

Amarillo AF2 has new ownership. Lubbock has locked down their lease at their venue for 2007. The former Amarillo ownership can only go in there if the current Lubbock ownership sells the team to them. Possible but, not likely. Lubbock going AF2, possible. Absolutely not IFL under current ownership.

Katy is either going AF2 or staying in the NIFL.

Ft. Worth is looking AF2.

A group looking at Houston is looking AF2.

Frisco, absolutely not IFL if they have a team at all.

San Antonio venues won't look at anything less then the AFL.

Tyler ???? Monterrey ????

Two very good articles. I'm glad you brought them to my attention. It just further proves that the IFL hasn't made any declarations that these teams WILL be in the league next season. No promises, no guarantees. They only mention the POSSIBILITY of these cities of being in the IFL.

And you can stand behind your statement about Laredo all you want. But it still stands that, until you provide evidence, it remains to be merely a rumor.

[rams80]

af2 returned all but one team this year. What's your evidence they overexpanded?

The franchise body counts of previous years after massive expansion (5 teams expansion of this year was small change for this league).
Everett (nuff said)
Amarillo has new ownership? hmmm....
From what you see online, I wouldn't be surprised if the af2 is adding 10-15 teams next year. ANY expansion that big will, IMO result in problems. I already question the long-term viability of the Alaska franchise. (Which was the main point of the initial post-the af2 is returning to its old overexpansion ways.)

[Minor League Man]

If the ECHL's Alaska Aces can work out, so can the Alaska Wild.

[yellowpages]

Never stated that those markets hadn't shown interest in the IFL. Several markets have shown interest in all kinds of different leagues out there. Simply countered the rumors by stating that they won't be going there.

My rumors aren't any different then the rumors that the IFL have spread by stating those teams as possible expansion sites. Any league worth its salt would not make bold statements like that. Most of the indoor leagues out there do not announce their expansion until its a done deal. IFL does not have any "done deals" with these teams.

The IFL has concerns or they wouldn't have shown their hand before all the cards have been dealt. Not a very bright business move but, I consider the source from the San Angelo article. It is misleading to the public and to their current franchises. Like or not, it is my observation based on the facts that I know and mine alone.

If you're right...you have no reason to be angery. If you're wrong...you have no right to be angery.

If I'm wrong, I'll man up and state it publicly here. I've done it in the past.

[phydeaux72]

If the ECHL's Alaska Aces can work out, so can the Alaska Wild.

Not necessarily. The northern US and Canada is a shoe-in when it comes to hockey. Just because one sport is successful in a market doesn't mean another one will be. The success of the af2 in Alaska remains to be determined. I too have my doubts about the Alaska af2 team. But we'll have to wait and see.

[preeths]

I just don't see any evidence of that yet. Sure you have your weak teams in af2, but you have those in any minor league. To me, it looks as if af2 has stabilized quite a bit over the last couple of years. "Overexpansion" speaks not about the number of teams, but about the lack of quality ownership. Every league should have as many teams as it can that have quality, committed ownership.

[phydeaux72]

Never stated that those markets hadn't shown interest in the IFL. Several markets have shown interest in all kinds of different leagues out there. Simply countered the rumors by stating that they won't be going there.

My rumors aren't any different then the rumors that the IFL have spread by stating those teams as possible expansion sites. Any league worth its salt would not make bold statements like that. Most of the indoor leagues out there do not announce their expansion until its a done deal. IFL does not have any "done deals" with these teams.

The IFL has concerns or they wouldn't have shown their hand before all the cards have been dealt. Not a very bright business move but, I consider the source from the San Angelo article. It is misleading to the public and to their current franchises. Like or not, it is my observation based on the facts that I know and mine alone.

If you're right...you have no reason to be angery. If you're wrong...you have no right to be angery.

If I'm wrong, I'll man up and state it publicly here. I've done it in the past.

I'm not angry. But there is nothing wrong (or unprofessional) with a league stating that they are considering a market for possible future expansion. The point of this whole argument is the fact that you're accusing the league of lying to its franchises; that the league is telling the franchises that they WILL be in said markets for the 2007 season. That is simply not the case.

There is nothing misleading about the San Angelo article. It clearly states the POSSIBILITY of expansion into those markets. Only a complete moron would take that the wrong way.

[nksports]

Or is it just that the AFL needs more cash with the end of the NBC deal?

The AFL didn't get any cash out of NBC. (It was a time-buy, split the ad revenue deal). The ratings were pretty low, but NBC didn't lose anything on the deal. It has me speculating that the affiliates told NBC to dump the AFL and give them back the time so the affiliates can sell infomercials.

[rams80]

The AFL didn't get any cash out of NBC. (It was a time-buy, split the ad revenue deal). The ratings were pretty low, but NBC didn't lose anything on the deal. It has me speculating that the affiliates told NBC to dump the AFL and give them back the time so the affiliates can sell infomercials.

Yes, but the television exposure helped them jack up expansion fees for suckers err owners in Philadelphia, Kansas City, Austin, and Salt Lake City. What are they going to do now to overprice new franchises?

As far as the af2 is concerned, I doubt any league can do effective due dilligence on 10+ ownership groups spread out about the country. Personnally, I think the only things the af2 looks at are whether or not expanding to a certain market will ace out an existing team or league or new start up, or whether the check clears (so the AFL can get more money so IT can survive), and then the other teams can get the team through it's one trainwreck season. I think after next season the "new" af2's gonna look a lot like the old one.

for Minor League Man-A couple of years ago the Aces were on eBay-what does that tell you?

[roughian]

Sorry yellowpages, but you lost all credibility in my eyes with your "the IFL is dead" post before the season. You keep coming on and being extremely negative toward the IFL for whatever personal reason you have.

Stick with the af2 pages, I won't believe a word you say until I see it publicly stated. And for the record, all Dittman did was say "possibility" as was already stated. Eight to ten teams does not seem out the question for the IFL next year.

[Sykotyk]

Alaska works the same way that Youngstown works in the CHL, many long road trips into the 'heart' of the league, and when teams do travel to play you, it's usually a 2 or 3 game series they play before returning home.

Big difference between one game and 2 or 3. As well, as when the Wild fly down for games, my bet is they fly back after the game. Rather than going on a a multi-game road trip to save travel like a hockey team would.

Sykotyk

[rams80]

Alaska works the same way that Youngstown works in the CHL, many long road trips into the 'heart' of the league, and when teams do travel to play you, it's usually a 2 or 3 game series they play before returning home.

Big difference between one game and 2 or 3. As well, as when the Wild fly down for games, my bet is they fly back after the game. Rather than going on a a multi-game road trip to save travel like a hockey team would.

Sykotyk

If Hawaii (which I think was pretty competently run) couldn't work in this league, Alaska probably won't work in this league.

[RUFFNECKER]

Perhaps I can shed some light on this subject. Yes the IFL is looking to expand into Ft. Worth, Lubbock, and so on but the AFL2 is also interested in these venues because they see the writing on the wall. If the IFL were to succeed in there attempt to gain these markets, then the AFL2 is losing a battle with existing teams like Amarillo and Rio Grande on travel expenses and cost of operations. Smart business is to acquire the markets yourself and make it work. The old if you can't beat em out bid em saying. As for Laredo, yes it is true that at the league meetings they expressed there intentions to move on to the AFL2, I was told that they felt they would do better financially because of the corporate sponsorships that the AFL2 offers its franchises. This is not yet a done deal but it is not looking good for our IFL friends. The same can be said for the Lubbock franchise as well, however the ownership situation there is still up in the air, and the IFL is still trying to squeeze there way into that market because if AFL2 they will play at the college Arena and if IFL they will play at the old colesium. So pretty much right now it is all about the Benjamins so to speak. Tyler I have been told is pretty much a done deal, and that they even have a coach for this franchise all rapped up. and Ft. Worth is waiting on the paper work to get processed. AFL2 would not put a franchise in this market because of its close proximity to the Desperados. Jerry wouldn't hear of it, but feels that the IFL teams offer no real threat to his franchise and believes it is just small enough to thrive without taking away from his Desperados, you see no football in Texas happens without the OK of the big guy Jerry Jones, but the AFL2 continues to look around for markets to compliment it's existing Texas based franchises.

[Malepig]

I just got back from San Juan and can tell you this: The Laredo Lobos were there and gave a presentation. Katy was there and gave a presentation. There are up to "4" teams in texas that have all APPLIED to the af2. This means they have paid for the applications. There is now a 5th team that wants to join due to the 4. This should help the conversation.

[rams80]

(plays Imperial March)

[Minor League Man]

(plays Imperial March)
"Luke (wheeze) I am (wheeze) your father (wheeze) and you never write, you never call, NOTHING!"

[PIONEERSFAN101]

Lubbock, Corpus Christi, Laredo, and Katy are interested parties.....

I anticipate yellowpages doing some well justified I told ya so-ing

lol

[yellowpages]

One of the owners of the AFL's Utah Blaze and the Austin Wranglers, is the one making the big push to get these markets on board with the AF2. He is also the same one that has tried to push the Tri-Cities Fever out of their venue.

The Laredo and Katy owners will lose majority ownership of their teams if they jump on board with this owner. Lubbock ownership is not interested in AF2.

Because the Fever and Lubbock don't want to play ball with this owner, he is trying to undercut their lease agreements. I really don't know what is happening on the Corpus Christi front. Their owner doesn't have the funds to operate an AF2 franchise. It would surprise me if he turned his back on his league again. Maybe the AFL team owner is involved there as well. I Don't know.

It doesn't look good for the IFL if that's the case. It will be interesting to see what happens. The AFL/AF2 is getting pretty agressive in their expansion plans.

And yes, Malepig, you are right about those two being in San Juan. Bet you thought you'd never hear that from me. :p ;)

[Malepig]

Actually I am not surprised you said they were there. I already posted it and talked to them both. Just curious on the other 3 Texas teams who want to join the af2 now.

[Reichert]

If Katy and Laredo join af2 that would maroon Lubbock and Odessa geographically from the rest of the remaining IFL. It would also take an option away from the af2's Amarillo franchise in terms of jumping to the IFL.

I would bet a horse that the 5th interested team is Beaumont. If Katy jumped ship that would leave very little for the NIFL to hang its hat on. With the other solid teams jumping from the NIFL I believe it would be critical for CS to keep the Copperheads as they are now suddenly the anchor team for her league. She loses Katy, there's no other place for the Drillers to go.

[Gunslingers]

Let me put the Lubbock rumors to rest. We are in talks with two leagues, NOT the NIFL and NOT the IFL. We wish those leagues best. We are looking at the other two options to find the best fit for our Community, our Beliefs and our Ownership Group. We have our dates held for 2007; however, an interested party has made a verbal challenge to our hold, nothing more. It has been communicated to us that Mr. Rogers, former owner of the Amarillo Dusters, is the interested party. We will not give up our dates to any challenge. AF2 has not expressed interest in Lubbock other than our ownership group. There are several new ownership groups in the indoor market that have thier venues held, but they have yet to commit to a league. We all have the same goals: to work with a league whose foundation is truth, integrity and willing to share in league revenues, a league that believes in the value that the league is here for the teams, not the opposite.

[Gunslingers]

If Katy and Laredo join af2 that would maroon Lubbock and Odessa geographically from the rest of the remaining IFL. It would also take an option away from the af2's Amarillo franchise in terms of jumping to the IFL.

I would bet a horse that the 5th interested team is Beaumont. If Katy jumped ship that would leave very little for the NIFL to hang its hat on. With the other solid teams jumping from the NIFL I believe it would be critical for CS to keep the Copperheads as they are now suddenly the anchor team for her league. She loses Katy, there's no other place for the Drillers to go.
The Drillers may not have a venue as the venue has expressed not wanting to work with the current ownership group. This information came from an AF2 party.

[Gunslingers]

If Katy and Laredo join af2 that would maroon Lubbock and Odessa geographically from the rest of the remaining IFL. It would also take an option away from the af2's Amarillo franchise in terms of jumping to the IFL.

I would bet a horse that the 5th interested team is Beaumont. If Katy jumped ship that would leave very little for the NIFL to hang its hat on. With the other solid teams jumping from the NIFL I believe it would be critical for CS to keep the Copperheads as they are now suddenly the anchor team for her league. She loses Katy, there's no other place for the Drillers to go.
Amarillo to my understanding can't jump. They are locked into a 3 yr contract with AF2. That is why Mr. Rogers sold the team as he wanted to leave. This information is from another source.

[Reichert]

The Drillers may not have a venue as the venue has expressed not wanting to work with the current ownership group. This information came from an AF2 party.

That may very well be true, but a different ownership group would probably become majority owner in Beaumont (and indeed if what you say is true there would be no other way to have an indoor team in Beaumont).

A new majority owner is rumored to be taking control of Katy if they indeed move to af2, same with Laredo.

[Gunslingers]

One of the owners of the AFL's Utah Blaze and the Austin Wranglers, is the one making the big push to get these markets on board with the AF2. He is also the same one that has tried to push the Tri-Cities Fever out of their venue.

The Laredo and Katy owners will lose majority ownership of their teams if they jump on board with this owner. Lubbock ownership is not interested in AF2.

Because the Fever and Lubbock don't want to play ball with this owner, he is trying to undercut their lease agreements. I really don't know what is happening on the Corpus Christi front. Their owner doesn't have the funds to operate an AF2 franchise. It would surprise me if he turned his back on his league again. Maybe the AFL team owner is involved there as well. I Don't know.

It doesn't look good for the IFL if that's the case. It will be interesting to see what happens. The AFL/AF2 is getting pretty agressive in their expansion plans.

And yes, Malepig, you are right about those two being in San Juan. Bet you thought you'd never hear that from me. :p ;)
Who said AF2 is trying to undercut our leases?

[Gunslingers]

That majority owner is an AF1 team, same team that has made an offer to us. We'll just have to wait and see how it plays out for them both, but it's not that cut and dry and to my understanding, the AF1 team doesn't want majority ownership...but maybe the offer on the table has changed. Either way, they need to be careful that a cash call isn't put in place with new majority owners coming on board.

Beaumont's venue would like to have another team there, just not with the current ownership group. Several leagues have interested ownership groups for Beaumont.

[rams80]

(Plays Imperial March again)

[preeths]

(Yawns again) How about adding something new to your argument?

[rams80]

The fact that their "wonderful business practices" just killed another market folks thought would be around for awhile? (Macon)

[preeths]

First, who are the folks who thought the Knights would be around for awhile? The city has been a deathbed for minor league sports, and it is currently without hockey (after losing the Whoopee and Trax) or baseball (after losing the Braves and an independent team). Yes, that's right, the city lost four other teams while the Knights survived six years. The Knights were the last team in town standing. Again, no league will guarantee that teams survive longterm. The Knights lasted much longer than most unbiased observers would have guessed and held on after other minor league teams in town had bolted.

What indoor league are you holding af2 up to as a comparison? Will we see an indoor league, no matter how small, that doesn't leave a market this season? It's easy for you to point out every flaw af2 has, and we've acknowledged time and again that like any minor league, it has its share of flaws. What is your gold standard?

[Roughnecks Fan]

OK, gossip is gossip, but are there any rumors as to whether my Roughnecks will play in 2007 and what league they might be in?

[Pounder]

I feel for rams in the sense that teams, to their fans, become a "public trust." The Empire March is also stuck in my head, and I smile about that.

Of course, in actuality, there's no public trust. It's business, pure and simple.

Truth be told, af2 is relatively solid because they're less like thieves than the other leagues. As much as I might find "indoor" attractive, I swear people who touch that Suess patent seem to go into the tank- or the gutter- with relative quickness. Not that there's really a shining light anywhere in the business of sports...

[preeths]

The Roughnecks have every intention of returning to a bigger and better IFL in 2007.

[preeths]

I know that Beverly Olsen, the Macon owner, did all she could to keep that team afloat, and probably lost a bundle on it over the years. She was trying very hard to give back to the community. It's interesting to read through the message boards on macon.com. Many fans blame the city government for not doing enough to keep teams, or being downright unfriendly to them. I'm not familiar enough with local politics to comment on that, but I do know their baseball stadium fell into disrepair, which is why the Braves left for Rome.

[Carrottop2386]

OK, gossip is gossip, but are there any rumors as to whether my Roughnecks will play in 2007 and what league they might be in?

Well since Tommy owns some of the league it will be the IFL. Unless the IFL completely folded (which probably won't happen) why would it be any different?

[phydeaux72]

Well since Tommy owns some of the league it will be the IFL. Unless the IFL completely folded (which probably won't happen) why would it be any different?

Or unless the league dwindles to the point where there aren't enough teams to remain competitive. But we don't have to worry about that. The IFL is growing, not shrinking. In 2007, we will enjoy a bigger & better IFL.

[sportsguy]

And whatever moron said that Corpus was a team interested in the jump to the AF2...come on, do some homework. The owner of Corpus is the founder of the IFL, they aren't going anywhere.

I've also heard the AF2 is talking about waving the franchise fees for Katy in order to let them in, because with Shreveport folding, that leaves Rio Grande Valley out to dry, so the AF2 NEEDS another team in Texas to keep RGV. And if they wave fees for one, you better do it for all.

And AF2, great championship game in Puerto Rico...no dasherboards in the country, so they build them out of wood that splinters whenever a player hits it?? People in the crowd holding the pads on?? I heard the poor commissioner was walking around apologizing to everyone.

Oh, and btw, the Laredo owner waffles back and forth on which league more than Aunt Jemima. And they averaged 500 fans a game this year?? Yeah, have fun making the AF2 payments with that amount of money coming in.

[preeths]

What info do you have on Shreveport?

[sportsguy]

Just heard from an insider they were done...
I have absolutely NO hard evidence, (newspaper, tv, press release) to support it, so obviously, take it with a grain of salt until it actually happens.

[preeths]

From the info on Fourcade, it sounds as if they owner plans to come back.

[PIONEERSFAN101]

Looks to be a done deal. The Lobos have the af2 logo on their site.

Nice work yellowpages...

[phydeaux72]

Looks to be a done deal. The Lobos have the af2 logo on their site.

Nice work yellowpages...

Good riddance as far as I'm concerned. I hope the Laredo Lobos enjoy next season in the af2 because it will be their last. Roque Vela is living proof that there's a sucker born every minute.

[Geoff]

I was looking at their photo gallery and I noticed how nice their field was, then I looked in the endzones. They used the Laredo Law turf with the Law's logo still on it?

[phydeaux72]

I was looking at their photo gallery and I noticed how nice their field was, then I looked in the endzones. They used the Laredo Law turf with the Law's logo still on it?

Interesting. I never noticed that. How ironic since they will last about as long in the af2 as the Laredo Law did.

[Tater]

A very long time ago, I used to post on here at nauseum about one thing.

There are an awful lot of good business people that get into minor league sports, and when they do, all their good business sense goes out the window.

Indoor/Arena football just might be the worst case of this I have ever seen, although minor league basketball might edge them by a nose.

A lot of teams in existance today or tomorrow, shouldn't have begun in the leagues that they chose because the costs are way to much. Others that made a decent choice as to the league they started with have then gone on to chose to join leagues that don't make any fiscal sense at all.

I do believe that the Laredo owner is thinking this is a "build it and they'll come" senario. However, I think we all know that if you draw only flies to the IFL games there it will be even worse for AF2. Even if the attendance goes up some, if they don't average 5-7K PAID minimum, they won't last through the season.

[preeths]

Very bad news for the IFL:
http://www.americanbankcenter.com/about/press/?id=5254

The Hammerheads have lost their lease.

[Minor League Man]

RIP Corpus Christi Hammerheads

I hope we'll see indoor/arena football back here soon!

So sad I had to make this my 400th post.

[rams80]

I think there will, and I think we all know in which league (Imperial March time)...

Now the story here would be interesting to know. Dittman's part of the ownership group there, right?

[Freedom]

Very bad news for the IFL:
http://www.americanbankcenter.com/about/press/?id=5254

The Hammerheads have lost their lease.

I thought the Hammerheads were a strong team with a good following.(?)

What happened?

[sportsguy]

The American Bank Center told Dittman their relationship was fine, they were sending the renewal papers over to their office soon...then this comes. Seems they want to lure an AF2 team...they pretty much screwed Dittman over.

Now don't put the Hammerheads to rest yet...there is apparently another relatively new arena in the city, granted it sits a lot less, but it might be servicable for one season...until ANOTHER arena is completed in 2007. I don't know what they have in the Corpus water, but apparently, it makes engineers build alot of arenas!!!

Plus, the Hammerheads have already renewed alot of season tickets, plus a decent amount of corporate partners...it'll be interesting to see an AF2 team work with amounts of those two groups already taken.

Why do all these towns who don't sell out IFL games think they can make AF2 work when it's so much more expensive to run a team??

[rams80]

Because the Empire promises them the world in order to secure the market. After that, everything is irrelevant.

I will say (if the above is true) that while other leagues try to poach markets, at least they work with the existing teams. Empire seems to be the only league that undercuts leases and franchises to drive them out.

[mtedora]

RIP Corpus Christi Hammerheads

I hope we'll see indoor/arena football back here soon!

So sad I had to make this my 400th post.
as a Corpus Christi resident, i can tell ya there's been very little about this in the local news. strange/consicuous... but one of the last things i did hear quoted from the HAMMERHEADS' owner was that there may be a move just slightly west, to the main *ahemmm* suburb of Corpus, a township of less than 100, 000 called ROBSTOWN, TX [same "home" of Tx League Baseball's COASTAL BEND AVIATORs]... apparently there is a decent arena there. there's really no other appropriate venue in Corpus that i know of, nothing that remotely compares to the sprawling AMERICAN BANK CENTER complex anyway. there was the ICE CENTER right downtown, where the Corpus Christi Rays played for years, but the word is that it is to be demolished. it has pert near biodegraded already.