IFL in Katy

[phydeaux72]

I've heard from a reliable source that there will be an IFL team in the Merrell Center in 2007. A news release is expected sometime next week.

[preeths]

Looking forward to hearing about IFL expansion. The loss of Laredo today gives them five teams, but I know they have been working on others. San Angelo announced its return today, and they were the last iffy group of last year's bunch, I believe.

[Reichert]

This is not a surprise by any means...now with the Copperheads in the af2 and up the road in the Berry Center that leaves a quality facility open in Katy. There is no way the NIFL can put a quality operation in the Merrell Center in the shadow of the Copperheads, but I believe the right IFL owner could. And they wouldn't necessarily compete with each other...both the Cy-Fair and Katy markets have enough money and people to go around for both teams.

[phydeaux72]

Looking forward to hearing about IFL expansion. The loss of Laredo today gives them five teams, but I know they have been working on others. San Angelo announced its return today, and they were the last iffy group of last year's bunch, I believe.

I don't know that San Angelo was necessarily iffy. However, they were definately the "Black Sheep" of the league last season, whereas Laredo was, quite simply put, the weakest link. San Angelo more than proved themselves last season though. They're definately in it for the long haul.

Also, don't forget that Frisco is a go for 2007 as well. And word has it that there is another market waiting in the wings for an 8th franchise if/when Katy makes their announcement, therefore eliminating the need for any bye-weeks.

[Minor League Man]

Anybody remember Frisco's website?

Oh, and College Station might be team number 8 (Anybody got a link for the site of the hopeful ownership group?)

[phydeaux72]

I know for a fact that it won't be Bryan/College Station. I know the rumored market, but I'm not going to spill the beans just yet until I know more.

The website for BCS is www.bcsintensefootball.com, which has since expired. That was a site left over from the IFL's inaugural season from someone showing interest in the league at that time.

I don't remember what the original web address was for the first person that was going to take indoor football to Frisco. I believe the group that is putting the 2007 team in is different ownership and there is not website as of yet.

[Reichert]

I'll tell you what...if all of this comes to fruition I really believe that EVERYONE wins in all of this except Carolyn Shiver and Cleveland Gary.

af2--gets a foothold in the West Houston market and a wonderful new arena to play in to boot with the Berry Center.

Cypress area--gets their first shot at professional sports.

Katy area--somehow will still manage an upgrade in indoor football teams despite the loss of the Copperheads. The IFL is definitely a step up from the NIFL.

Berry Center--gets a good minor league team to break in the new arena.

Merrell Center--gets a valuable replacement for the Copperheads and quite honestly their revenue stream might INCREASE in all of this.

Intense Football League--gets a foothold in the lucrative West Houston market, too. Get it in an arena that fits their cost structure.

And now our big LOSER:

Carolyn Shiver--watches her team in Katy bolt the league and also watches the IFL swoop in and snare the market. Watches one of her best markets disappear and has no other viable market to replace it.

Hope you enjoy your bag of coal while everyone else celebrates Christmas in October, Carolyn.