Commissioner Addresses the Fans
November 12, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
There is nothing I am more proud of about our League than its commitment to the fans. That's why I am so excited about our upcoming season. Because you, the fans, are going to love it.
The League, the teams, and NBC have worked tirelessly this offseason to ensure that we are maximizing the fan experience â both for in-arena fans and for TV viewers. As our AFL Mission Statement and Fans' Bill of Rights demonstrates, our ultimate goal remains to be the most fan-friendly League in the world.
NBC, who will broadcast up to 70 AFL games next season, which is the second-most number of games for any sports league on network-TV behind only the NFL, has been working around the clock to make sure they produce the best AFL broadcasts in the history of our League. And they are going to. Just wait until you hear about their announcers.
As we do every offseason, we reviewed our rules to make our game more fan friendly. This year, we eliminated unnecessary time delays and attempted to reduced the number of overall penalties in each game. We believe we have succeeded.
We are working with both our players and game officials on long-term collective bargaining agreements to ensure labor peace for years to come. Work stoppages will not be an issue in the AFL, which benefits everyone involved, especially the fans.
We realigned our divisions highlighted by the addition of the expansion Colorado Crush to the Western Division. JOHN ELWAY has been hard at work this offseason assembling his team and is off to a great start by signing ArenaBowl XVI MVP QB JOHN DUTTON and by drafting former Chicago Rush OS JOE DOUGLASS in the Expansion Draft. I'm going to be sitting front-row in Denver when they take on the Georgia Force on NBC on February 2 at Pepsi Center and I can't wait.
But hardcore fans don't fret. Some things about the AFL won't change. You can still keep every football that lands in the stands. Players and cheerleaders will still sign autographs after every game. Your seats will still be the closest to the action of any sport. Interactive promotions will be as exciting as ever. And the high-scoring, heart-stoppin', hard-hittin' football action that is unique to the AFL will again be phenomenal.
Our goal is to be the most fan-friendly league in the world. Don't be afraid to let me know how we're doing.
With Deep Respect and the Highest Regards,
Commissioner David Baker
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from November 12, 2002
- Desperados Re-sign Culver Scott, Tolbert - Dallas Desperados
- Destroyers Release All-Arena Kicker - Buffalo Destroyers
- Commissioner Addresses the Fans - AFL I
- Maddox Credits AFL for NFL Success - AFL I
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
