Arena Football invades Philadelphia

by Fran Stuchbury
Published on September 24, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)

When I wrote my article recapping all the events going on during ArenaBowl XVII in Tampa Bay, I made this seemingly innocuous comment: "I just hope Philadelphia lands an AFL team soon so I'll be able to attend games regularly."

The Arena Football League granted my wish Tuesday with the expansion Philadelphia Soul becoming the league's newest franchise for the 2004 season.

I attended the Soul's introductory press conference, held in front of the famous Rocky statue. Many fans attended both to see Bon Jovi and support Arena Football.

The Soul did a fine job keeping the fans entertained. They had music playing and featured several giveaways. Soul cheerleaders tossed plenty of memorabilia, which included mini footballs, water bottles, two autographed footballs and caps by Bon Jovi and other items. At 6'4", I was able to catch a water bottle.

Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell and Philadelphia Mayor John Street both attended the press conference, which was a good public relations move on their behalf.

The fans just couldn't wait to hear from team owner Jon Bon Jovi, and he is thrilled to be involved with the Soul.

"It's something I was very passionate about," said the AFL's newest team owner. "I think that, like everything we are doing with this team, we would like to break down some walls - from naming to the team colors and our logo. We want to be original. We want to be unique. We want to be a 'stand alone.' We're going to try very hard to be very relevant here in the community and have our presence felt in a way that, right from the outset, people get to know who their coaches and players are and why. We want to be a part of this community."

Bon Jovi attended several Arena Football games last season, and he is going be heavily involved with this team. One thing Bon Jovi said was, "All Philadelphia fans have one thing in common: they hate the Dallas Cowboys."

I have to wonder if Philadelphia Soul fans will hate the Dallas Desperados as well. There has been speculation that the Dallas Desperados will move to the east division in hopes of building rivalries, similar to the ones the Cowboys have in the NFL. The possibility is intriguing to AFL observers.

"As a fan, I look forward to seeing Philly in the same division as the Dallas Desperados," said Jim Draucker, a Desperados loyalist. "The Cowboys Rivalry with the Eagles will be an upbeat for the AFL when the Desperados play the Soul. Two words for the Philly fans: GO DESPERADOS!!!"

The Soul has built a quality team office with good people. First is Craig Spencer who is a majority owner with Bon Jovi, Ron Jaworski who is the President, General Manger Joe Hennessey and coach Michael Trigg. Hennessey left the Indiana Firebirds to join the Soul, while Trigg departed the Grand Rapids Rampage. Jaworski is very happy to have Trigg as Philadelphia's first coach.

"We all know what we're up against as an expansion team. I think we have some real positives coming into our first season," said Jaworski. "You can't say enough good things about Mike Trigg. He understands the Arena Football game; he knows the game. He's won an ArenaBowl championship; he's hoisted the trophy. He brings a presence that players will respect automatically."

Michael Trigg won an ArenaBowl championship with the Grand Rapids Rampage in 2001 but knows this will be a challenge.

"It's certainly going to be a challenge, to say the least, but it's something that we embrace and feel that, with the number of quality free agents that are available in the AFL right now, it's a matter of good scouting and good planning," said Trigg.

The Soul made the right decision bringing in a coach with a lot of AFL experience, 10 years to be exact. Last year, the Colorado Crush made the mistake of hiring Bob Beers, a man who had no AFL coaching experience, but now they are on the right track with new coach Mike Dailey.

Joe Hennessey, who spent 13 years as the general manger with the Albany/Indiana Firebirds, brings a plethora of AFL experience to the table and should be able to make good decisions.

The director of Communications for the Soul is Tim Farrell, who did a fine job with in the same position with the Indiana Firebirds last season.

"I feel the team will be very successful," said ArenaFan staff member Ken Gill. "Philly has supported minor league hockey, lacrosse, and they were big supporters of the USFL's Stars in the 80's. Of course the on-field record will dictate the acceptance, but I believe Philly with be a prototype franchise that future AFL teams will try to copy. Plus, having one of the biggest rock star's around as owner doesn't hurt either."

I have to agree. Philadelphia supports its sports teams, even those in the smaller leagues including the AHL Philadelphia Phantoms, MISL KiXX, and NLL Wings. As someone who moved to the area four years ago, it did not take me long to notice Philadelphia fans are very passionate about their teams.

I have no doubt the team will be successful, and I will cover all the Soul home games and do interviews with the team throughout the season. Fans will love the action and excitement Arena Football has to offer.

After a five-year hiatus, when I was attending games of the now defunct New York CityHawks, I'm thrilled starting February 8th, 2004, I'll be attending Arena Football games again on a regular basis.

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from September 24, 2003

• Arena Football invades Philadelphia - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
• Nick Starcevic Earns Cobras Ironman Award - Carolina Cobras
• Rampage Player Tryout on Dec. 6 - Grand Rapids Rampage

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.