IFL Makes WILD Announcement!

[phydeaux72]

IFL Makes WILD Announcement!
8th & Final Team added for the 2007 Season

Corpus Christi, Texas.: The Intense Football league is pleased to announce the 8th and final team to compete in the league during the 2007 season. Headed up by Alaska Professional Sports president and owner David Weatherholt, the Alaska Wild joins the Intense Football League. The Texas based IFL has been comprised exclusively of franchises in and around the Lone Star state since it’s inception in 2003. “This is an exciting shift for the league,” noted Chad Dittman, league president, “The community of Anchorage has been overwhelming in their response to the Wild and after spending ample time with David, we anticipate Alaska being among our top franchises.” In response to his new team and decision to compete in the IFL, Weatherholt said, “We feel that the professionalism and high quality of football already existing in the IFL was a perfect fit for our business plan here in Anchorage.”

The IFL accepted the Wild into the league after meetings last week but has no intention of expanding it’s geographical footprint from Texas to Alaska. “Anchorage in an exceptional situation where this team, destined for success, needed to travel regardless of the league in which they would compete. With special arrangements that are being made, this was the most economical way for the team to do so and they are a very welcomed addition to the IFL.”, stated league vice president Tommy Benizio.

The 2007 Intense Football League boasts franchises in Belton, Corpus Christi, Frisco, Katy, Odessa, and San Angelo, Texas along with Lake Charles, Louisiana and Anchorage, Alaska. El Paso, Texas has already been added for the 2008 season. The 2007 schedule is expected to be released in conjunction with a formal press conference in Anchorage in mid-November.

Further information on these or any other IFL topics can be gained by contacting the league offices at (361) 814-PASS (7277) or by logging on to the leagues web site at www.IntenseFootballLeague.net.

[fwp]

That definitely is "Intense"!

[rams80]

They have lost their minds.

[sportsguy12]

There's no way that this team will play in the IFL more than 1 season. I beat they joined any league they could just to get a team on the field, rather than refunding season ticket deposits or advertising. It's obviously cheaper to play in the IFL than af2. But this is crazy.

The travel costs can be minimized by having road and home games played in blocks. Cause there's no way that the Wild will play a home game, travel to Texas, play a home game, go back to Texas, etc.

They are going to get their act together in one year then join af2 or another league.

[phydeaux72]

The travel costs can be minimized by having road and home games played in blocks.

That's the intention. Which is precisely why the IFL team owners agreed unanimously to go forward with it. The Wild would have had the same travel arrangement had they played in the af2 or any other league.

They are going to get their act together in one year then join af2 or another league.

You could say that about any team in any league. So, you might be right. Or you could be wrong. On the other hand, look at Laredo. They joined the af2 and they never did have their act together, and probably still don't.

There's no way that this team will play in the IFL more than 1 season..

I guess only time will tell, right?

[UNLogger]

That's the intention. Which is precisely why the IFL team owners agreed unanimously to go forward with it. The Wild would have had the same travel arrangement had they played in the af2 or any other league.

Ok, that works ok for when the Wild go to Texas. But each of those Texas teams is gonna have to take individual trips to Alaska. That won't be cost effective for any of them.

UNLogger

[Malepig]

Let them have Alaska. The reason they are not in the af2 now is because the financials did not jive with the team. This is a pure bonehead move.

[rams80]

Let them have Alaska. The reason they are not in the af2 now is because the financials did not jive with the team. This is a pure bonehead move.

Holy (bleep) we actually agree on something.

[Sykotyk]

Probably, will play two home games in two or three days against the same team.

No matter what league they're in, they'd have to fly for ever game anyways. So the fact it's the IFL and not the AF2, NIFL, WIFL, CIFL, UIF, AIFA, UIFL, EIFL, APFL, NAIFL, PIFL, or any other league is pointless.

Sykotyk

[phydeaux72]

Ok, that works ok for when the Wild go to Texas. But each of those Texas teams is gonna have to take individual trips to Alaska. That won't be cost effective for any of them.

UNLogger

Sure it will.

The AK Wild have agreed to reimburse any team travelling to Alaska anything over what the average cost of a roadtrip is in the IFL currently. And the Wild still end up with an overall lower operating budget than they would have had in the af2.

When the Wild come to Texas or Louisiana, they will play two weekends in a row and the home team will provide them with three extra days of meals and lodging each.

Trust me, the IFL has considered all of these obstacles. We've come up with a system that we believe will work. If it works, great. If not, then we'll do something different next year. We're all very optimistic.

[phydeaux72]

Let them have Alaska. The reason they are not in the af2 now is because the financials did not jive with the team. This is a pure bonehead move.

Malepig, I know you think you have the inside track on this. But you couldn't be more wrong. The Wild met the requirements of the af2 and they were in and approved. If it's a bonehead move for the IFL, then it would've been the same bonehead move for the af2. And the af2 was all ready and willing to do it.

But nice try. ;)

[Reichert]

This is absolutely nuts.

The Wild are not in the af2 because the finances didn't jell in Anchorage, period. And the travel arrangements, while affordable to an extent, are going to potentially be a huge distraction to the lives of the players in the league. Who of the Anchorage players is going to be OK with traveling to Texas for an entire week or two when they likely also have real-world jobs back home?

Darn straight they aren't extending their geographical footprint...because this is a trial balloon by the IFL that will have to gently be let back down not long after they launch it. This team had better average at least 6,000 fans a game to even keep the owners from losing their shorts, let alone make a profit.

[phydeaux72]

And the travel arrangements, while affordable to an extent, are going to potentially be a huge distraction to the lives of the players in the league. Who of the Anchorage players is going to be OK with traveling to Texas for an entire week or two when they likely also have real-world jobs back home?

And this would have been different in the af2 how?

[IRUNTDS]

How ridiculous is it to say that this is a bonehead move. The fact of the matter is that the IFL got something that the AF2 wanted and would have gladly taken. Now all of the Af2 backers are gonna say how dumb they think it is. Good for the IFL!

[IRUNTDS]

This is absolutely nuts.

The Wild are not in the af2 because the finances didn't jell in Anchorage, period. And the travel arrangements, while affordable to an extent, are going to potentially be a huge distraction to the lives of the players in the league. Who of the Anchorage players is going to be OK with traveling to Texas for an entire week or two when they likely also have real-world jobs back home?

Darn straight they aren't extending their geographical footprint...because this is a trial balloon by the IFL that will have to gently be let back down not long after they launch it. This team had better average at least 6,000 fans a game to even keep the owners from losing their shorts, let alone make a profit.

Just excuses. It would be no different in any other league. Do you even know where Alaska is? If you did you would know that you make no sense. If thw Wild were in the Af2 they would still have to travel far from home. How about Alaska at Louisville or Alaska at Arkansas. Sounds the same to me. And by the way 6,000 fans may not be out of the question there.

[NatePreds05]

Here's one difference. In the af2 the Wild would be playing Everett, Stockton, Spokane, Central Valley and Bakersfield, and most of those teams would be the ones traveling to Alaska. It is much cheaper in travel costs. You can calculate it on a travel website. I just got some general figures from Travelocity with 480+- from Anchorage to Houston, 280+- from Anchorage to Seattle. If I were and IFL owner I wouldn't want an Alaska team unless they were going to pay all costs regarding travel, because I wouldn't want to foot that bill myself when my team gets up there.

[rams80]

I'm going to clarify myself a little.

IMO, it is stupid for ANY indoor/arena football league not named the "Arena Football League" to have a team in Alaska. The travel costs and time commitments on road trips for the teams make the plan cost prohibitive and the league is too smalltime and below the radar to make it work.

(Before anyone mentions the ECHL Aces, I will point out that their series are played over the course of a weekend, rather than during several weeks).

As for attendance; the season happens during just about the only time its borderline comfortable to be outside in Alaska; who wants to be inside an arena during one of those weekend days?

[phydeaux72]

If I were and IFL owner I wouldn't want an Alaska team unless they were going to pay all costs regarding travel, because I wouldn't want to foot that bill myself when my team gets up there.

Please refer back to one of my previous posts in this thread. The IFL has addressed that concern. Like I said, the Alaska Wild will subsidize any IFL team for any travel above and beyond the average cost of a normal roadtrip.

We believe we've covered all the bases on this. We'll evalulate it at the end of the 2007 season and make any necessary adjustments for 2008, assuming that Alaska will be back.

If not, then hey, it was fun giving it a shot.

[Malepig]

Malepig, I know you think you have the inside track on this. But you couldn't be more wrong. The Wild met the requirements of the af2 and they were in and approved. If it's a bonehead move for the IFL, then it would've been the same bonehead move for the af2. And the af2 was all ready and willing to do it.

But nice try. ;)

Your source is off on this. Alaska was NEVER voted in the af2. That is why they are not in. They did not meet the requirements but hey, its your headache now. This is worse than a Jim Terry move.

[phydeaux72]

Your source is off on this. Alaska was NEVER voted in the af2. That is why they are not in. They did not meet the requirements but hey, its your headache now. This is worse than a Jim Terry move.

I'll say it again Malepig, nice try. :rolleyes:

[Sykotyk]

Funny how the AF2 fans are criticizing them going to the IFL, when they were perfectly happy to let this team into the AF2 with all the same travel irregularities.

As for travel. The only real direct flight out of Anchorage is to Seattle. You'd still have to take a puddlejumper to any other city in the northwest. Regardless of how many miles fewer it is to Anchorage.

And wouldn't it be cheaper to charter a small jet than to fly commercial, anyways?

Sykotyk

[tony-o]

I thought this was an announcement for the Wichita Wild joining the league, because that makes a little more sense. This really came out of left field. Hope it works out though.

[Malepig]

No sky, it was the fact that this team led everyone on and in the end did not meet the financial requirements and that is why they were not voted in. But to see them get a huffy and look for another league is really funny. And this move, well just bonehead as this business move was personal and they never work.

[sportznut]

AAAAAAAHhahahahahahahahhahahhahahahahahahahhahaahh ahahahahahahahaha

:D :D :D :D

< takes another deep breath>

Hahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaaha

Ok, I guess that IFL Coolaid is alittle more ...... controlling , then i had thought it was......

Good luck with this one...

[phydeaux72]

And this move, well just bonehead as this business move was personal and they never work.

Well, assuming for a moment that it might be a bonehead move. It's not anymore boneheaded than the af2 going back into Laredo. Nor was Alaska's move anymore personal than your boneheaded claim that they didn't meet the af2's financial requirements.

Now, quite crying and move along.

[Malepig]

Stop the insults there! No way this is not personal against the af2. The move is funny and bonehead, plus the laugh I needed today. What will be interesting however is how legal is it to use the Alaska Wild name? Even though the trademark has been dead for a few days there must have been talk with the Wild before that. Look for the wild to change its name or see the lawsuits fly. Its safe to say the Alaska Wild will never play a game in 2007.

[phydeaux72]

Stop the insults there!

Have a nice weekend Malepig. It's been fun.

[Minor League Man]

Could somebody please lock this thread; it is getting full of personal attacks.

[preeths]

Cut the attacks, stick to the subject. No locking is necessary.

[rams80]

Stop the insults there! No way this is not personal against the af2. The move is funny and bonehead, plus the laugh I needed today. What will be interesting however is how legal is it to use the Alaska Wild name? Even though the trademark has been dead for a few days there must have been talk with the Wild before that. Look for the wild to change its name or see the lawsuits fly. Its safe to say the Alaska Wild will never play a game in 2007.

How could the af2 own the trademark when the Wild "were never part of the league"?

Waiting for an answer...

[Malepig]

I can hanlde him calling me names. Just wish he wouldn't.

[rams80]

How could the af2 own the trademark when the Wild "were never part of the league"?

Waiting for an answer...

Still waiting...

[Malepig]

I'm not a trademark attorney but they were not part of the af2. Howver the af2 does know such an attorney.

[rams80]

I'm not a trademark attorney but they were not part of the af2. Howver the af2 does know such an attorney.

The original filer was this...

(APPLICANT) AF2 Enterprises LLC C. David Baker- Manager LTD LIAB CO DELAWARE 8700 W Bryn Mawr, #120-S Chicago ILLINOIS 60631

I'll ask again, why would anyone file a trademark for someone who was not officially part of your league? Unless, of course, they were...

The way I see it, such a suit has two outcomes.

1. They were part of the league, at which point the name is rightful property of the league, but the af2 gets a black eye for blowing initial due diligence, and maybe opens itself up to some "breach of contract" lawsuits (don't know about that one, thought).

2. They were indeed not part of the league, at which point the af2 has little right to the logo (unless it wants to invite an anti-trust lawsuit from Dittman).

Neither outcome's exactly positive for the af2.

[Malepig]

There is another option but they were never voted in the af2. Let me explain it this way. The league owned the name and trademark. They do not own the team. The name and logo are seperate from the team. The team was never voted in.

[sportsguy12]

ANCHORAGE- There's been another turnover for Anchorage's first professional indoor football organization: The Alaska Wild announced today that it has joined the Intense Football League (IFL) allowing the organization and the team to be ready for play in 2007.

David Weatherholt, president of Alaska Professional Sports Inc., owner of the Alaska Wild, said the IFL consists of eight teams including the new additions of Anchorage, as well as Frisco and Katy, Texas. The Alaska Wild's first game will be played at the Sullivan Arena on April 12, 2007. The Wild schedule will be announced later in the month.

"With the season around the corner the next few months should be pretty exciting. We have a great staff on board and are starting to organize the rest of our team," Weatherholt said.

After announcing the Alaska Wild would not join the Arena Football 2 League, team management was contacted by IFL executives with the offer to join the Texas-based league, Weatherholt said.

"While there has been some delay in getting football off the ground in Anchorage, once the right league was identified, things started clicking into place," said Weatherholt. He cited concerns about becoming part of a high quality league as one of the major delays. "Our goal is to operate as closely to the standards of a major-league sports team as possible and the IFL has those same standards."

Anxious Alaskan fans had reserved over 1,300 season passes when the Alaska Wild announced its intentions to play in the 2007 season, but a variety of complications related to joining the Arena Football 2 League forced team management to postpone to 2008 and consider other leagues. Season pass reservations can still be made at www.akprosports.com . Actual ticket sales will begin when the Wild's schedule is announced later this month.

Weatherholt said the organization is moving forward with player and staff recruitment. Cheerleading tryouts, he said, are scheduled for Nov. 18. Interested players and cheerleaders can apply at the Alaska Pro Sports website.

The IFL was founded in 2003 and consists of eight professional indoor football teams, two of which are located outside of Texas, the Louisiana Swashbucklers of Lake Charles, LA and the Alaska Wild of Anchorage. Texas teams include the CenTex Barracudas of Belton, Corpus Christi Hammerheads, Odessa Roughnecks, San Angelo Stampede Express and recently added teams from Katy and Frisco. The Odessa Roughnecks are the defending league champions after winning the Intense Bowl in August of 2006. For more information on the IFL, please visit www.intensefootballleague.net .

The Alaska Wild is Alaska's first professional football team and one of two professional sport teams based in Anchorage. Alaska Wild is owned by Alaska Professional Sports, Inc. For more information on Alaska Wild and Alaska Professional Sports, Inc., please visit www.akprosports.com .



This is from the release posted on OSC.

"... complications related to joining the Arena Football 2 League forced team management to postpone to 2008 ..."

They say right in it that postponed joining af2 until 2008. If they weren't going to join, they would have shut down right away, but they didn't. Whatever the reason for skipping 2007, they will be in af2 in 2008, which is why af2 doesn't care if they use the name or not.

[rams80]

There is another option but they were never voted in the af2. Let me explain it this way. The league owned the name and trademark. They do not own the team. The name and logo are seperate from the team. The team was never voted in.

Still doesn't explain the logic behind registering the trademark.

[Malepig]

Still doesn't explain the logic behind registering the trademark.

Let's try it this way. A company is planning on putting out a new protduct(toothpaste). They would register the name of the product before putting it out to prevent copycats from using the same name once it is out in the public. That should explain it to you.

[Malepig]

This is from the release posted on OSC.

"... complications related to joining the Arena Football 2 League forced team management to postpone to 2008 ..."

They say right in it that postponed joining af2 until 2008. If they weren't going to join, they would have shut down right away, but they didn't. Whatever the reason for skipping 2007, they will be in af2 in 2008, which is why af2 doesn't care if they use the name or not.

nope. the ifl even as bonehead they are with this would not accept a team for one year. Maybe because it came out today there hasn't been anything filed yet. It still takes time to get the legal briefs ready.

[rams80]

Let's try it this way. A company is planning on putting out a new protduct(toothpaste). They would register the name of the product before putting it out to prevent copycats from using the same name once it is out in the public. That should explain it to you.

So why haven't they registered any trademarks for Laredo, Lubbock, Texas, and Corpus Christi? Supposedly they're in.

[sportsguy12]

Maybe the IFL wanted an 8th team, so they took Alaska in. Obviously, its not as important as in baseball, but next year El Paso will join. I think this is a one-year deal.

[rams80]

Maybe the IFL wanted an 8th team, so they took Alaska in. Obviously, its not as important as in baseball, but next year El Paso will join. I think this is a one-year deal.

That assumes El Paso's the only potential expansion next year. Shoot, if you wanted a 1 year team, you would have taken in Wichita.

[Malepig]

Maybe the IFL wanted an 8th team, so they took Alaska in. Obviously, its not as important as in baseball, but next year El Paso will join. I think this is a one-year deal.

IF it happens(and I don't believe it will) it will be half year at best. Alaska will have serious financial issues early and unfortunatly kill indoor football in that area with this bonehead move.

[IRUNTDS]

Malepig,

I am sure you spend a lot of time trading e-mails with Jerry Kurz of the Af2 and repeat everything he says. Let it go. The IFL has Alaska. I am sure that all involved parties have thought things out. Just wish them luck and move on. And by the way I still have not heard you respond to the question of the bonehead move that af2 is making by returning to Laredo. I will put a half year bet on that one.

[fwp]

It's a risky move, but I think it's an excellent risk by a smaller league that'll create a buzz. If successful it'll be a great story, if it fails, it's just one team in a league. Everyone still hopes that things will work out.

With af2, a league that tries to portray itself as more than it is, it wouldn't be nearly as wise a move and much higher risk with more to lose.

While there's a risk to the IFL, there's a chance for great reward and great pub.

[Malepig]

Malepig,

I am sure you spend a lot of time trading e-mails with Jerry Kurz of the Af2 and repeat everything he says. Let it go. The IFL has Alaska. I am sure that all involved parties have thought things out. Just wish them luck and move on. And by the way I still have not heard you respond to the question of the bonehead move that af2 is making by returning to Laredo. I will put a half year bet on that one.


I'm tired of seeing these indoor leagues make such bonehead moves and in this case it is personal with Alaska and the IFL. Personal decsisions always backfire. Laredo met the qualifications(Alaska gave up on thier application because they could not) and makes me wonder what the fans in the 49th state will think when they happen to deal with this mess of indoor football they will have. I feel bad for them because of the shell game being played.

[phydeaux72]

I'm tired of seeing these indoor leagues make such bonehead moves and in this case it is personal with Alaska and the IFL. Personal decsisions always backfire. Laredo met the qualifications(Alaska gave up on thier application because they could not) and makes me wonder what the fans in the 49th state will think when they happen to deal with this mess of indoor football they will have. I feel bad for them because of the shell game being played.

OK, let me get this straight. When the af2 slimes their way into another league's market (ie, Laredo, Corpus Christi, Tri-Cities, etc.), then it's purely business. But if a future af2 team decides to join a different league, then it's a personal blow toward the af2. And of course, every time that happens the af2 is going to use the "they were never approved by the af2" scapegoat so that it doesn't make them look bad.

And don't try to sell me or anyone else on these boards the line of BS that the af2 didn't go into Laredo & Corpus in a blatant attempt to pull the rug out from under the IFL so that they could appease RGV and get them some closer competition so that they wouldn't leave the af2. I don't care how connected you think you are with the af2, that is what happened plain and simple.

[IRUNTDS]

I'm tired of seeing these indoor leagues make such bonehead moves and in this case it is personal with Alaska and the IFL. Personal decsisions always backfire. Laredo met the qualifications(Alaska gave up on thier application because they could not) and makes me wonder what the fans in the 49th state will think when they happen to deal with this mess of indoor football they will have. I feel bad for them because of the shell game being played.

The point is not that Laredo had the qualifications to get in. The question is why is the league allowing a return to a place that clearly has a hard time supporting indoor football? They have averaged less than 1,000 fans as the Laredo Law in 2004 and as the Lobos in 2006. The IFL folks did not spread the word that Laredo was it's weakest organization in 2006 when they bolted for AF2. If you think Alaska is a bonehead move based on no facts you should definitely see Laredo as a bonehead move based on 2 years of proof.

[sportsguy12]

If the ownership groups meet the membership criteria of being in af2, then what's the beef. If they want to join the af2 then it's their team and they can do that. If they want to stay in the IFL then ...

Decision-making aside for a few ridiculous ideas (like having their title game in Puerto Rico, etc.), the af2 doesn't have re-scheduled games or teams folding during the season.

Let this die.

[dogman]

It's an awesome city with the Chugach mountains looming off the Cook Inlet. Yes, fianncial considerations are both large and complicated but obviously Mr. Weatherholt has the monery. Anyone coming in from the mainland is going to have to be subsidized and as long as lower 48 teams were willing to reciproctae in some way, as Fido has alluded to, then why can't it work. Wild supposedly sold 1300 season tickets right out of the box and with a schedule and something definatoive in their pocket, hey guys, why not give em a break and give it a try.

By the way, when you fly up to see a game, and by the way, there are lots of daily flights into Anchorage, including a non stop from Dallas by the way....
eat dinner at the SNow Goose. It's awesom to sit there and watch the F-14's practice touch and go's at Elmendorf across the Turnagin Arm.

It's got to be easier to get to than Odessa !

[dogman]

LOOK ....small

[rams80]

If the ownership groups meet the membership criteria of being in af2, then what's the beef. If they want to join the af2 then it's their team and they can do that. If they want to stay in the IFL then ...

Decision-making aside for a few ridiculous ideas (like having their title game in Puerto Rico, etc.), the af2 doesn't have re-scheduled games or teams folding during the season.

Let this die.

af2 decision making criteria on expansion (at least this year)
1) Is this a market in another league?
If so,welcome!

Seriously, though, has the Intense League ever had to reschedule games or had teams fold midseason?

Anyway, the af2 saves its folds for the end of the season (and there will be a rash of them after this year methinks).

fwp might take issue with the "never reschedule" thing also.

[IRUNTDS]

If the ownership groups meet the membership criteria of being in af2, then what's the beef. If they want to join the af2 then it's their team and they can do that. If they want to stay in the IFL then ...

Decision-making aside for a few ridiculous ideas (like having their title game in Puerto Rico, etc.), the af2 doesn't have re-scheduled games or teams folding during the season.

Let this die.


I can't tell from this post what side you are on but the IFL has not had any re-scheduled games or any teams fold during a season either.

[Malepig]

OK, let me get this straight. When the af2 slimes their way into another league's market (ie, Laredo, Corpus Christi, Tri-Cities, etc.), then it's purely business. But if a future af2 team decides to join a different league, then it's a personal blow toward the af2. And of course, every time that happens the af2 is going to use the "they were never approved by the af2" scapegoat so that it doesn't make them look bad.

And don't try to sell me or anyone else on these boards the line of BS that the af2 didn't go into Laredo & Corpus in a blatant attempt to pull the rug out from under the IFL so that they could appease RGV and get them some closer competition so that they wouldn't leave the af2. I don't care how connected you think you are with the af2, that is what happened plain and simple.

Yes it was only business for Laredo and Corpus Christie. Those owners came to the af2 and not the other way around. Something else. The af2 could care less about the IFL. An ownership group talks about a team and a market, teh af2 checks the arena and such, financial qualifications are checked(which Alaska failed), and then they are voted for approval. That is the way it works, no games or BS how the af2 is trying to destory the ifl because they don't care about the IFL. They care about brining arena foobtall to cities.

[Malepig]

The point is not that Laredo had the qualifications to get in. The question is why is the league allowing a return to a place that clearly has a hard time supporting indoor football? They have averaged less than 1,000 fans as the Laredo Law in 2004 and as the Lobos in 2006. The IFL folks did not spread the word that Laredo was it's weakest organization in 2006 when they bolted for AF2. If you think Alaska is a bonehead move based on no facts you should definitely see Laredo as a bonehead move based on 2 years of proof.

yes the Laredo Law was a bad team. But we have to wait until 2007 and dee how that goes. But this was a business move.
The Alaska move is personal as well as why a team that didn't qualify for the af2 can qualify for the ifl. Then add extra flying miles. That is a disaster. Just a pure bonehead move.

[phydeaux72]

Those owners came to the af2 and not the other way around.

Oh, because that's what Jerry Kurz told you, right? Damn! We should all know that if the af2 and/or Kurz say it, than that MUST be how it really happened, right?? Or are you going to tell me that you were there when Corpus & Laredo "came to the af2"? Riiiiiiiight. Nice try again, Malepig. :rolleyes:

Then I'll tell you the same thing about Alaska. The IFL didn't go to Weatherholt with the idea of Alaska joining their league. They never would have because it doesn't fit into their geographica mold. They came to us, and we thought we'd take a chance and give it a try.

Keep the laughs coming, Malepig. With every post you just continue to chip away at your credibility more and more. Pretty soon you'll have none left.

[phydeaux72]

yes the Laredo Law was a bad team. But we have to wait until 2007 and dee how that goes. But this was a business move.
The Alaska move is personal as well as why a team that didn't qualify for the af2 can qualify for the ifl. Then add extra flying miles. That is a disaster. Just a pure bonehead move.

I swear Malepig, when it comes to double standards, you and the af2 are King of the Mountain.

You just dug yourself a little deeper. Keep digging!

[Malepig]

Oh, because that's what Jerry Kurz told you, right? Damn! We should all know that if the af2 and/or Kurz say it, than that MUST be how it really happened, right?? Or are you going to tell me that you were there when Corpus & Laredo "came to the af2"? Riiiiiiiight. Nice try again, Malepig. :rolleyes:

Then I'll tell you the same thing about Alaska. The IFL didn't go to Weatherholt with the idea of Alaska joining their league. They never would have because it doesn't fit into their geographica mold. They came to us, and we thought we'd take a chance and give it a try.



Why all the insults? Just relax on this. The af2 does not go into cities with the sole purpose of destroying other leagues no matter what Dittman tells you. An owner goes to them and then they work on the procedure. If there is another team in town so be it because they do not play arena football which is now more like the NFL game(afterall the NFL is brining in the new rules to arena football). Actually I do believe that David in Alaska came to you. Still a bonehead move though.

[Malepig]

I swear Malepig, when it comes to double standards, you and the af2 are King of the Mountain.

You just dug yourself a little deeper. Keep digging!

NO double standard, just a bonehead move on behalf of the ifl. I'm glad Alaska is not in since they did not financially qualify. What is the excuse of the ifl? I guess this is more about who does better auditing.

[rams80]

Why all the insults? Just relax on this. The af2 does not go into cities with the sole purpose of destroying other leagues no matter what Dittman tells you. An owner goes to them and then they work on the procedure. If there is another team in town so be it because they do not play arena football which is now more like the NFL game(afterall the NFL is brining in the new rules to arena football). Actually I do believe that David in Alaska came to you. Still a bonehead move though.

Any argument about the af2 and not trying to kill other leagues holds VERY little water in light of what happened in Corpus Christi (where the arena suddenly kicks out a successful Hammerheads franchise that I can't see any problems with in order to bring in the af2) and what SMG reportedly tried to do in Sioux Falls (kick out the Storm).

Shoot, pig, if you're that concerned about Alaska, just tell your master to have SMG kick them out of the arena.

[rams80]

NO double standard, just a bonehead move on behalf of the ifl. I'm glad Alaska is not in since they did not financially qualify. What is the excuse of the ifl? I guess this is more about who does better auditing.

They qualified enough for Baker and the af2 to trademark the logo for a little bit.

[Malepig]

They qualified enough for Baker and the af2 to trademark the logo for a little bit.

NO we went through that. Reread the process of trademarks so you understand.

[IRUNTDS]

Why all the insults? Just relax on this. The af2 does not go into cities with the sole purpose of destroying other leagues no matter what Dittman tells you. An owner goes to them and then they work on the procedure. If there is another team in town so be it because they do not play arena football which is now more like the NFL game(afterall the NFL is brining in the new rules to arena football). Actually I do believe that David in Alaska came to you. Still a bonehead move though.

Explain how a game played on a 50 yard field and uses rebound nets in the endzone is "more like the NFL". Trust me the IFL is more like arena football than the AFL is to the NFL.

[rams80]

NO we went through that. Reread the process of trademarks so you understand.

That reminds me, I haven't been able to find logos there for some of the teams that we supposedly know are in, (such as Laredo, oddly enough). Does that mean they are not officially in?

[Malepig]

Explain how a game played on a 50 yard field and uses rebound nets in the endzone is "more like the NFL". Trust me the IFL is more like arena football than the AFL is to the NFL.

Buy season tickets to the largest indoor league in Texas(the af2) and then buy the Arena football game where you can play Laredo vs. Corpus Christie.

[Malepig]

That reminds me, I haven't been able to find logos there for some of the teams that we supposedly know are in, (such as Laredo, oddly enough). Does that mean they are not officially in?

Just wait for the announcments with the other biased haters.

[rams80]

Buy season tickets to the largest indoor league in Texas(the af2) and then buy the Arena football game where you can play Laredo vs. Corpus Christie.

So your argument is a video game; I'm sure someone could mod it to have any team you want play in it...

Big fracking deal.

[phydeaux72]

Just wait for the announcments with the other biased haters.

That's the problem. The season is six months away and the af2 still hasn't released anything official. We, the "biased haters", are still waiting on the announcements.

[tony-o]

So your argument is a video game; I'm sure someone could mod it to have any team you want play in it...

Big fracking deal.If he is talking about the EA video game, then he would be wrong about being able to play as Laredo and Corpus Christi. They only have AFL teams in the game. He's also wrong about the largest indoor league in Texas. That would be the AFL.

But I will have to agree with Malepig that people need to cut out the conspiracy crap about the af2 trying to stomp out other leagues. However, any of Malepig's arguments would be more convincing if he could spell Corpus Christi right. You figure he would be able to if he were such an af2 insider.

[rams80]

If he is talking about the EA video game, then he would be wrong about being able to play as Laredo and Corpus Christi. They only have AFL teams in the game. He's also wrong about the largest indoor league in Texas. That would be the AFL.

But I will have to agree with Malepig that people need to cut out the conspiracy crap about the af2 trying to stomp out other leagues. However, any of Malepig's arguments would be more convincing if he could spell Corpus Christi right. You figure he would be able to if he were such an af2 insider.

Why would anyone in their right mind want to kick out a good, successful tenant like the Corpus Christi Hammerheads?

Why would any honest arena manager think about kicking out the Sioux Falls Storm (arguably the best run organization in indoor football outside of the AFL)?

Why would any arena force a team to stay in the NIFL like in Tri Cities?

And then you realize that said arenas are run by SMG which has a closer and closer arrangement with the af2 (malepig has said as much elsewhere). Still think the af2's not trying to drive other leagues out of business?

[Malepig]

That's the problem. The season is six months away and the af2 still hasn't released anything official. We, the "biased haters", are still waiting on the announcements.

Its official that the teams are part of the arena football family. Team names to be released in time.

[Malepig]

If he is talking about the EA video game, then he would be wrong about being able to play as Laredo and Corpus Christi. They only have AFL teams in the game. He's also wrong about the largest indoor league in Texas. That would be the AFL.



Nope the af2 teams are part of it this year, all 30 of them. I'm talkiing about the number of indoor teams in Texas, so yes since the AFL and af2 are part of the same family, you can say it as such.

[rams80]

Nope the af2 teams are part of it this year, all 30 of them. I'm talkiing about the number of indoor teams in Texas, so yes since the AFL and af2 are part of the same family, you can say it as such.

Is this like a "mafia" family? I'm not sure many folks want to be a part of that.

[tony-o]

Nope the af2 teams are part of it this year, all 30 of them. I'm talkiing about the number of indoor teams in Texas, so yes since the AFL and af2 are part of the same family, you can say it as such.
Well, in most places I've heard that EA wasn't gonna release a game this year and release the game every two years. If they do release it this year, then great. If they have af2 teams, even better.
Still think the af2's not trying to drive other leagues out of business?Yes, I do.

[Malepig]

It will be released on the playstation only. It did exceed the sales goal by EA and they plan to sell 1 million units with the addition of the af2.

[rams80]

Yes, I do.

To each his own, then.

Personally I find such evidence to be quite indicative of the af2's intentions towards other indoor leagues. (That and Jerry Kurz referring to all other indoor leagues as "Renegade" leagues.)

[fwp]

To each his own, then.

Personally I find such evidence to be quite indicative of the af2's intentions towards other indoor leagues. (That and Jerry Kurz referring to all other indoor leagues as "Renegade" leagues.)

I'm with you. Knowing the Kennewick situation, the other af2 workings seem quite similar, why would I believe they're different.

I know that the folks in Kennewick didn't seek out af2, and I know that the af2 folk have been quite aggressive since the Fever turned them down.

[Hockey]

The Alaskan based junior hockey NAHL teams play in the south division against mostly Texas teams. It is simply cheaper to fly into a big city like Dallas or Houston and bus to the smaller towns. Flying in the pacific northwest is expensive. Bozeman, Helena, Everette, and such are served by 37 seaters. Plus Alaska Airlines makes exceptions for the sports teams up here to help them out.

The money is simple, the AF2 was charging $1 million to join, plus yearly fees. The IFL is probably not even half of that. So even if they save $500k, thats still $500k they can put into expected first year debts.

The opposing team can fly in the day of or the day before and stay in a hotel only one day. So basicaly if the Wild are to pick up the "extra costs" they will mostly only be paying for airfare. The game days don't change so they can prebuy all the tickets for the season, and if you buy 200 plane tickets I am sure you get a deal. If they save 60k on yearly fee's they were going to pay to AF2, that will cover most of the additional travel costs.

Surprisingly it works for the Wild to join a regional league in a cheap (cost of living) place like Texas.

[11HP20]

Good luck to the Wild. I hope you guys kick ass and take names. From all OUTSIDE appearances this is a risky move for both team and league. I think there may be some benefits to the Wild for playing in 2007 instead if waiting to maybe play in 2008. Sometimes I know something about an area and draw a conclusion as to whether or not I believe a team may succeed. The only thing I know about Anchorage is the fact that there is not much by way of pro sprots there. That could be an advantage. Logistics on the other hand are a negative. I wonder if there are any successful businesses in Anchorage. You know, the kind that might have to face those SAME logistics problems. I have to agree with fwp about the buzz factor. Anyone who discounts that is stupid.
Fwp I want you to know that you have moved up from "Possibly smart" to "Far more smart than stupid". I'm sure you will hit "Highly intelligent" one of these days. Keep it up kid.

[sportsguy]

It's an awesome city with the Chugach mountains looming off the Cook Inlet. Yes, fianncial considerations are both large and complicated but obviously Mr. Weatherholt has the monery. Anyone coming in from the mainland is going to have to be subsidized and as long as lower 48 teams were willing to reciproctae in some way, as Fido has alluded to, then why can't it work. Wild supposedly sold 1300 season tickets right out of the box and with a schedule and something definatoive in their pocket, hey guys, why not give em a break and give it a try.

By the way, when you fly up to see a game, and by the way, there are lots of daily flights into Anchorage, including a non stop from Dallas by the way....
eat dinner at the SNow Goose. It's awesom to sit there and watch the F-14's practice touch and go's at Elmendorf across the Turnagin Arm.

It's got to be easier to get to than Odessa !
God, I live here, and I almost spit out my water laughing when I read that...statement of the year. And yes, he's right...direct flight from Anchorage to Dallas, then easy travel to all IFL teams from there. Once the Wild fly to the Continental US, (minus Seattle), going to anywhere else is very close in price. And the powers that be DID crunch the numbers in this, several times. I've interviewed David Weatherholt, seems to have his stuff in order. Let's just see what happens, I'm excited to go to Alaska in July!!

Oh, and AF2, have fun with Laredo...you want a place that's hard to get to?? Welcome to it.

PS#2, have fun distinguishing between sportsguy and sportsguy12....never met him, but so far, at least his posts are well thought out!

[sportsguy]

The Alaskan based junior hockey NAHL teams play in the south division against mostly Texas teams. It is simply cheaper to fly into a big city like Dallas or Houston and bus to the smaller towns. Flying in the pacific northwest is expensive. Bozeman, Helena, Everette, and such are served by 37 seaters. Plus Alaska Airlines makes exceptions for the sports teams up here to help them out.

The money is simple, the AF2 was charging $1 million to join, plus yearly fees. The IFL is probably not even half of that. So even if they save $500k, thats still $500k they can put into expected first year debts.

The opposing team can fly in the day of or the day before and stay in a hotel only one day. So basicaly if the Wild are to pick up the "extra costs" they will mostly only be paying for airfare. The game days don't change so they can prebuy all the tickets for the season, and if you buy 200 plane tickets I am sure you get a deal. If they save 60k on yearly fee's they were going to pay to AF2, that will cover most of the additional travel costs.

Surprisingly it works for the Wild to join a regional league in a cheap (cost of living) place like Texas.

DING DING DING DING!!!!! Tell him what he's won Jerry, or Carolyn, or Chad, or ....anyone!!!

Thanks Hockey, for putting it into understandable terms for all the doubting parties...plus, I believe the Alaska Sports Organization has a very good working relationship with Alaska Air, which flies to Dallas, so I'm sure that helps!!

[Pounder]

Point of order... Everett is 30 miles north of Seattle, not exactly worth a connecting flight.

However, once you price Alaska Air flights that route through Seattle on otherwise well-used routes, the equation becomes clear.

Spokane and Boise would have been easier for the Wild than Bozeman and Helena are for Fairbanks and Mat-Su, but it is what it is.

[Sykotyk]

Yes it was only business for Laredo and Corpus Christie. Those owners came to the af2 and not the other way around. Something else. The af2 could care less about the IFL. An ownership group talks about a team and a market, teh af2 checks the arena and such, financial qualifications are checked(which Alaska failed), and then they are voted for approval. That is the way it works, no games or BS how the af2 is trying to destory the ifl because they don't care about the IFL. They care about brining arena foobtall to cities.

Hmm, quite funny when you consider your post on UIFans.com:



I'll be back again after we raid Bloomington and Lexington. Just have people not mention me like that guy did and all will be fine.

http://www.uifans.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=54007#54007

Funny. Somebody's true colors are showing through.

You're a fan. But worse than that, you're a shill with a belief system that your league is god's gift to fandom.

Sykotyk

[Malepig]

Funny how people stalk me from board to board. I'm more popular then E.F. Hutton. Everyone read what I say.

[Sykotyk]

No, it's simply that others are on more than one board as well and when someone makes a claim and then does the complete opposite, they'll get called out on. Just because you made it on two seperate boards doesn't make you right. Nor does it make it stalking. You're the one out there trying to make a name for yourself from board to board as Kurz's lapdog, expect to get called out on it.

Sykotyk

[Malepig]

No its called a joke. I'm glad you think I can joke well.

[rams80]

No its called a joke. I'm glad you think I can joke well.

And it would be a (bad) joke if that was the only time you said that.

However, that was probably the 358th time you asserted that Lexington will be in the af2 and 20th time you said that about Bloomington.

[Malepig]

And it would be a (bad) joke if that was the only time you said that.

However, that was probably the 358th time you asserted that Lexington will be in the af2 and 20th time you said that about Bloomington.

Nope its 357 times, get it right.

[Alaska Aces]

Sure it will.

The AK Wild have agreed to reimburse any team travelling to Alaska anything over what the average cost of a roadtrip is in the IFL currently. And the Wild still end up with an overall lower operating budget than they would have had in the af2.

When the Wild come to Texas or Louisiana, they will play two weekends in a row and the home team will provide them with three extra days of meals and lodging each.

Trust me, the IFL has considered all of these obstacles. We've come up with a system that we believe will work. If it works, great. If not, then we'll do something different next year. We're all very optimistic.

Pardon me for replying to a long dormant thread. I believe the Wild will be successful and profitable. The Wild will play at Sullivan Arena in Anchorage which is also home ice for the Alaska Aces of the ECHL. The Aces are beloved in Anchorage and what better lead in for the Wild than to be playing arena football when the ECHL is winding down or entering the playoffs.

I'm optimistic this will work as well and look forward to arena football when the hockey season winds down.

[Malepig]

The Aces are beloved in Anchorage and what better lead in for the Wild than to be playing arena football when the ECHL is winding down or entering the playoffs.



The wild are not playing arena football in Alaska or anywhere else.

[preeths]

That is correct. The Wild will be playing indoor football.

[Alaska Wild]

I hope the Wild can manage through the season... after losing out Heywood Hill to a contract dispute, they settled for a lesser coach. I would love to see the team make it passed this season, but I don't see it happening, not because of a lack of interest, I think there are a lot of fans up here, but of a lack of financing...

[sportsguy12]

Pardon me for replying to a long dormant thread. I believe the Wild will be successful and profitable. The Wild will play at Sullivan Arena in Anchorage which is also home ice for the Alaska Aces of the ECHL. The Aces are beloved in Anchorage and what better lead in for the Wild than to be playing arena football when the ECHL is winding down or entering the playoffs.

I'm optimistic this will work as well and look forward to arena football when the hockey season winds down.

I don't think anyone ever questioned (at least not me) whether Alaska would support the team. The thread was about the Wild's decision to join the IFL. They would have had more geographic rivals in af2.

Arena football (af2) also seems to be more popular (according to league attendance figures of all the leagues) than indoor football (IFL, AIFA, NIFL).

[rams80]

I don't think anyone ever questioned (at least not me) whether Alaska would support the team. The thread was about the Wild's decision to join the IFL. They would have had more geographic rivals in af2.

Arena football (af2) also seems to be more popular (according to league attendance figures of all the leagues) than indoor football (IFL, AIFA, NIFL).

Going on a liberal definition of "geographic rivals" are we?

As for attendance...I have the af2's secret...Larger markets.

[RUFFNECKER]

I don't think anyone ever questioned (at least not me) whether Alaska would support the team. The thread was about the Wild's decision to join the IFL. They would have had more geographic rivals in af2.

Arena football (af2) also seems to be more popular (according to league attendance figures of all the leagues) than indoor football (IFL, AIFA, NIFL).

Just a note, the IFL does play Arena football, only difference between the duece and the IFL is the duece has nets and more teams, and the IFL is region based other than Alaska and pays more. Other than that, the rules associated with the actual playing of the games is the same. I do agree though that the duece markets for the most part larger markets than the IFL, and regardless of what anyone on here says, there is a competition between the leagues. The duece had to come into the Corpus, Laredo and Lubbock areas in order to satisfy ownership groups in Rio Grande and Amarillo because of grumblings about availability to the same markets but lesser cost when associated with the IFL. You can't tell me that AF2 Texas ownership wasn't mulling over leaving the great duece for a much cheaper IFL while still keeping their product in tact. The switch would have been very easy to do as the rules in both leagues are the same. Regardless of what people may or may not think, the owners of all these teams are in it to make a buck, not necessarily to get rich, but to make a buck none the less. I think it will be fun to see Alaska come down and play here, the rivalries in this league get better every year, and our arena just had some renovations done and looks great as well with the addition of a video board and new sound system. I can't wait for it to start up!

[Malepig]

Just a note, the IFL does play Arena football, only difference between the duece and the IFL is the duece has nets and more teams, and the IFL is region based other than Alaska and pays more. Other than that, the rules associated with the actual playing of the games is the same.

Can you show me something in wrtiting to that effect? Something from the IFL stating that because you will never see that as they do not play arena football and never will. I challenge you to prove me wrong on that.

[RUFFNECKER]

what type of information do you need? I will be more than happy to break it down for you if you would like. I am not trying to get into an argument with you on this, I am just purely stating that both leagues play the exact same game other than the duece has nets.

[tony-o]

Can you show me something in wrtiting to that effect? Something from the IFL stating that because you will never see that as they do not play arena football and never will. I challenge you to prove me wrong on that.
They can next year. The AFL's patent on Arena football ends later this year.

And to RUFFNECKER, Arena football - nets = indoor football.

[Malepig]

Nope because as proven they have no operating funds and will be a one and done team. The arena football play system is patended, not just the nets.

[mtedora]

huh? ALASKA? ok so all the teams were from TX except for the one from the TX/LA border, and now, uh, there's a team from ALASKA in the mix?

[RUFFNECKER]

Can you show me something in wrtiting to that effect? Something from the IFL stating that because you will never see that as they do not play arena football and never will. I challenge you to prove me wrong on that.


So can you explain to me the difference in the two games? You seem pretty confident in the fact that the two are not the same, I would really like to know the differences between the two other than the duece has nets. And I know that people say no nets= indoor football. Is that really all that seperates indoor football from arena football?

[sportsguy12]

So can you explain to me the difference in the two games? You seem pretty confident in the fact that the two are not the same, I would really like to know the differences between the two other than the duece has nets. And I know that people say no nets= indoor football. Is that really all that seperates indoor football from arena football?

There are imitations of the arena football game, but unless you have an A-F in your league name, you are not supposed to refer to the arena game. It's a legality more than anything.

[Bill]

There are imitations of the arena football game, but unless you have an A-F in your league name, you are not supposed to refer to the arena game. It's a legality more than anything.

Exactly.. I play electric football...
And here in the next month we will be offering new bases for electric football, along with other EF stuff..

One of the other things will be goal posts built to scale, using the AFL specs on the size of the goal posts.. With netting and such..

BUT.. I cannot refer to them on the site as "Arena Goalposts" without getting permission etc.. So they will be indoor football goalposts.

Shoot.. I can't even call my bases.. electric football bases.. cuz electric football is also a registered/trademarked name..

[Alaska Wild Fan]

Pardon me for replying to a long dormant thread. I believe the Wild will be successful and profitable. The Wild will play at Sullivan Arena in Anchorage which is also home ice for the Alaska Aces of the ECHL. The Aces are beloved in Anchorage and what better lead in for the Wild than to be playing arena football when the ECHL is winding down or entering the playoffs.

I'm optimistic this will work as well and look forward to arena football when the hockey season winds down.


Got my season tickets in the "Sideline club", which is completely sold out. Visited the merchandise kiosk at the mall yesterday and it was standing room only to get a jersey.

Alaskan's are passionate people and love to support their teams.

I've been a rabid Philadelphis IGGLES fan my whole life and have lived in Alaska since 1989. Having the Wild here will be great for those of us already beginning to jones for football.

[sportsguy]

Sounds awesome wild fan...can't wait to get up there for 4th of july game...

[Alaska Wild Fan]

We sold out. I'd say Alaskans will be backing their team!!:D

[PolishX]

yeah untill people read todays paper

[Alaska Wild Fan]

yeah untill people read todays paper


Nah!! We'll still support our only football team.