Today, a brand-new football league was announced. It is not another team competing with the Jaguars, but a team to play in Veteran's Memorial Coliseum.
It will be a Arena team, for a new major league Arena Football league to replace the one that ended this year. Some of the other teams included in it are Orlando (formerly Predators), Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Huntsville, AL, Little Rock, Chicago, and Phoenix.
Here is an article about it from ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/extra/afl/news/story?id=4512394
They need to use the Suns as an example of how to operate a successful minor league team.
I wonder if they'll return as the Tomcats(?)
In this economy, who is bankrolling the league? ESPN, I mean ABC? Surely Mickey will be raising ticket prices to cover the losses from the last league meltdown.
I really miss the Tomcats. Good to hear we may be seeing a return.
Arena football is a blast!
Quote from: blizz01 on September 28, 2009, 08:51:32 PM
I wonder if they'll return as the Tomcats(?)
Depends if someone still owns the rights. I would like to see a name that reflects Jacksonville's history. Jacksonville Huguenots?
^ Jacksonville Demolishers?
I see where this thread is going....
Jacksonville Ax Handlers.
QuoteI would like to see a name that reflects Jacksonville's history.
Wasn't Tomcats a nod to our Naval history?
Serious suggestions: Generals (our Namesake), Fire, Destroyers (Navy).
Not-so-serious: Freebirds. Actually, that's just wacky enough for an arena team.
Actually, I love Freebirds.
I like "Jaxson's"
Quote from: copperfiend on September 29, 2009, 12:27:07 PM
Actually, I love Freebirds.
Well, if Philly had the freaking Soul, we can be the Freebirds.
Woohoo! Name to be revealed tomorrow. I'm gonna go ahead and take a guess though........
(http://jacksonville.com/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/editorial/images/additional/99/spt_arenateamlogo111809.jpg)
QuoteArena football is returning to Jacksonville hoping to be bigger, louder and more explosive than before.
Jacksonville Sports Group managing partner Jeff Bouchy and partners Steve Curran and Larry Payne plan today to unveil the logo and the nickname (expected to be Sharks) of the team. Les Moss, a longtime Orlando Predators assistant coach, is expected to be named the head coach of the Jacksonville team, the newest member of the Arena Football 1 League. Today’s ceremony is at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, where the team will play its home games.
Jacksonville hasn’t had an arena football team since the Jacksonville Tomcats ceased operations in 2002, when the Jacksonville Coliseum was destroyed to clear way for the current arena.
The new team will play a 16-game schedule beginning this spring, using the downtown arena for its eight home games.
“We’re totally optimistic that this will work here in Jacksonville,†said Bouchy, who was a minority owner of the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League from 1998-2002. “I cut my teeth with the Predators, where we had 11,000 season-ticket holders. Arena football has been highly successful in Florida.â€
Bouchy touts affordability. Season-ticket prices will start at $45. More than 8,000 of the seats will have an average price of just over $11.
“I like to say this arena football league will be a hybrid between a Kiss concert and a football game,†Bouchy said. “It’s like drinking water through a firehose. I want fans to feel like they got hit in the head with a frying pan when they leave the arena. They’re not sure what just happened. All they know is that it was fast-paced, exciting and they’re coming back for more.â€
Teams will have 23-man rosters with three inactive players each week. All but three players on each team will receive $400 per game. Three players, designated as “showcase†players, will make $1,000 per game. The new league has 10 markets under contract: Spokane, Wash.; Salt Lake City; Phoenix; Dallas; Des Moines, Iowa; Tulsa, Okla.; Chicago, Milwaukee; Orlando; and Jacksonville.
League commissioner Jerry Kurz, who will be at today’s ceremony, indicated two other teams could be announced as early as today, including another Florida city, likely to be Tampa.
“Jacksonville was a very good market for a developmental league team in arena football years ago,†Kurz said. “We always felt that, with a new building, we could come back here. Timing is everything. The timing is good right now.
“We’ve had tremendous success in two other markets in Florida, and there’s no reason to doubt that this is as good a fan base. I can’t imagine a better scenario than an in-state rivalry between the three teams.â€
http://jacksonville.com/sports/football/2009-11-17/story/fins_showing_for_new_jacksonville_arena_football_team
The logo is kinda cheesy, but it's not important. I am looking forward to it getting started.
I prefer the name "Tomcats."
I liked the suggestion of Freebirds. It's sooooo Jacksonville.
I'm assuming the players also get some kind of base salary as well. Because I can't see anyone making a living by making just $400 dollars a game, that's only $6400
It's like back in the day, they need to have another job. It's for fun and the slight chance they'll get picked up by a professional football team, whether it's the NFL or Canada, or even that new league that seems to be paying pretty well.
http://www.jaxsharks.com/
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=529605
Quote from: hanjin1 on November 18, 2009, 08:51:37 AM
I'm assuming the players also get some kind of base salary as well. Because I can't see anyone making a living by making just $400 dollars a game, that's only $6400
I'm guessing it's somewhere between a 15-20 hour commitment per week from these players. They're doing it for fun and exposure, not to pay the bills.
I'm really glad that arena is gonna have another tenant. Hope the league works out well and the team is a success.
"I want fans to feel like they got hit in the head with a frying pan when they leave the arena." Gotta be the best quote I've read for a long time. And soooo on-target for the J'ville market!
I seem to recall a couple of Tomcats who worked at my local YMCA; arena football is definitely a part-time gig for these guys. As I remember, the playing field may be smaller but the players aren't!
Didn't we already have Sharks before? In some incarnation of hockey, perhaps?
QuoteDidn't we already have Sharks before?
For 1 season in 1974 (World Football League)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville_Sharks
Good that Arena Football is back. Would be a travesty if Arena Football is successful and the Jaguars keep plummeting and become unsuccessful; hope that never happens (about the Jaguars).
Heights Unknown
Quote from: blizz01 on November 18, 2009, 01:55:59 PM
QuoteDidn't we already have Sharks before?
For 1 season in 1974 (World Football League)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville_Sharks
"Sharks" was also one of the finalists for the NFL team name, along with (obviously) Jaguars, Stingrays, and Panthers.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on November 18, 2009, 12:11:19 PM
Quote from: hanjin1 on November 18, 2009, 08:51:37 AM
I'm assuming the players also get some kind of base salary as well. Because I can't see anyone making a living by making just $400 dollars a game, that's only $6400
I'm guessing it's somewhere between a 15-20 hour commitment per week from these players. They're doing it for fun and exposure, not to pay the bills.
When the Tomcats played here, some of our neighbors were players on the team. For most of them, it was like having a second job.
Anyone that has been fishing off a pier or just off the coast of Jax, knows sharks is a fitting name... I still think the logo is lame. Looks like they stole it right out of MS clipart. I could make a better logo drunk & with my eyes closed.
QuoteI still think the logo is lame. Looks like they stole it right out of MS clipart. I could make a better logo drunk & with my eyes closed.
It doesn't appear that was final - check out the images from the websites posted earlier:
http://www.jaxsharks.com/
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=529605
The helmet looks pretty sweet.
Wondering if I'm the only fan of the WFL that kept any of his toys? I still have a coaster set with the JACKSONVILLE SHARKS logo, but IMO it looks better then the new arena league logo. I love the arena game, and certainly wish them all success. Any chance of changing the name of our Arena to "THE FISH BOWL?"
OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: Ocklawaha on November 18, 2009, 03:40:23 PM
Wondering if I'm the only fan of the WFL that kept any of his toys? I still have a coaster set with the JACKSONVILLE SHARKS logo, but IMO it looks better then the new arena league logo. I love the arena game, and certainly wish them all success. Any chance of changing the name of our Arena to "THE FISH BOWL?"
OCKLAWAHA
I went on Ebay to look for Sharks, Bulls, and Express items one day and was surprised at how much I found. I saw several copies of an Express game program (drawing of Independent Life Bldg. and Main St. Bridge on the cover) and some schedules. Also, looks like someone is now in the business of creating new merchandise with WFL logos on it; I saw an Express mini-helmet and a Sharks shirt.
(http://assets.bizjournals.com/db_image/794411.jpg)
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on November 18, 2009, 04:02:59 PM
Quote from: Ocklawaha on November 18, 2009, 03:40:23 PM
Wondering if I'm the only fan of the WFL that kept any of his toys? I still have a coaster set with the JACKSONVILLE SHARKS logo, but IMO it looks better then the new arena league logo. I love the arena game, and certainly wish them all success. Any chance of changing the name of our Arena to "THE FISH BOWL?"
OCKLAWAHA
I went on Ebay to look for Sharks, Bulls, and Express items one day and was surprised at how much I found. I saw several copies of an Express game program (drawing of Independent Life Bldg. and Main St. Bridge on the cover) and some schedules. Also, looks like someone is now in the business of creating new merchandise with WFL logos on it; I saw an Express mini-helmet and a Sharks shirt.
Very cool! I'll have to take a look myself.
For you Youngsters the WFL was excellent football. Many of the new rules in the NFL were adopted straight from the WFL - not that they'd ever admit it. When they took the star players from all over the NFL they created an earthquake. OCKLAWAHA
Yes, that logo looks much better. Good to see they didn't go with the previous design.
Quote from: Johnny on November 18, 2009, 02:56:56 PM
Anyone that has been fishing off a pier or just off the coast of Jax, knows sharks is a fitting name... I still think the logo is lame. Looks like they stole it right out of MS clipart. I could make a better logo drunk & with my eyes closed.
::::passes Johnny a Guiness:::::
Article says that some season tickets will be as low as $47? Wow. Sign me up. I remember going to Tomcat games. Saw one game where 3 touchdowns were scored in the final 41 seconds of play... pretty exciting stuff.
I actually like the "official" logo & colors - I have not been able to locate merchandise as of yet, however.
Quote from: Jason on November 20, 2009, 03:01:35 PM
Quote from: Johnny on November 18, 2009, 02:56:56 PM
Anyone that has been fishing off a pier or just off the coast of Jax, knows sharks is a fitting name... I still think the logo is lame. Looks like they stole it right out of MS clipart. I could make a better logo drunk & with my eyes closed.
Sounds like fun Jason, let me know the time, date and place and we'll redesign the logo then crawl home! SOCO TIME! GOT CRAYONS? OCKLAWAHA
For those interested in packaging a little Red & Black with some Teal & Black, T-shirts & jerseys should go on sale next week in time for the holiday(s). Initially, it would appear that merchandise will be available on the Sharks' website only, with exclusive discounts parlayed into season ticket packages. The website looks to still be a work in progress for now, however - so in the interim, I strongly suggest this one:
www.jaguars.com
;)
How many years you guys give 'em? 2? 3?
4 Sharks games on national TV (NFL Network)QuoteNFL Network to show home opener vs. Orlando on April 16, plus three other games
The Arena Football League will be on the NFL Network, and one of the early marquee games will be the home opener for the Jacksonville Sharks on April 16 against the Orlando Predators.
Confirmation that the AFL will have a presence on the NFL Network was made Wednesday during a teleconference with league commissioner Jerry Kurz. Terms of the arrangement with the NFL Network were not disclosed.
The teleconference also outlined the league’s “single-entity structure,†which the league hopes will protect the finances of each team. Each of the 15 teams will have a stake in the league, and the salary scale will be the same for players of all teams.
“All teams will be working for the good of the league,†he said. “All teams will be sustainable.â€
The first version of the AFL went bankrupt after the 2008 season, its 23rd. The current ownership had to pick up a tab of more than $6 million to purchase the league’s assets and intellectual property (such as team nicknames and records) from the bankruptcy court.
“We’re correcting an economic model that failed,†Kurz said.
The NFL Network broadcasts will be Friday nights, beginning with an April 2 game between the visiting Chicago Rush and the host Iowa Barnstormers. Three-time Super Bowl quarterback Kurt Warner played for Iowa before signing with the St. Louis Rams.
The Sharks’ game April 16 is the first of four NFL Network appearances. They also will be on May 7 at Tampa Bay, June 4 at Chicago and June 18 at Orlando.
“We’re very excited about being on the NFL Network,†Sharks director of operations Andy Wenstrand said. “It’s the network serious football fans go to and they’re going to watch football if it’s on.â€
Mike Ditka, one of the owners of the Chicago Rush, said a national TV presence is a must for the league as it reinvents itself.
“The NFL Network will be pretty special,†Ditka said on the teleconference. “People have to be able to see their heroes when they’re not home or can’t get to the game.â€
The Sharks’ season will open April 3 at Oklahoma City, followed by another road game April 9 against Alabama. The home opener is the first of eight at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.
Kurz said the league is in negotiations to increase the number of teams from the current 15 to more in 2011. Cities and areas that might be involved in AFL expansion include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Denver and Southern California.
http://jacksonville.com/sports/2010-02-17/story/four_jacksonville_sharks_arena_football_games_on_national_tv
Ehh, but it is exposure.
I say 2 yrs. If I get this contract job in Enid I should be able to go to the game in Oklahoma. Does anybody really think this will survive in Jax? I mean unless its country music or a monster truck show these people here dont show up.
The Tomcats games were pretty well attended. My favorite part was the cheerleaders who looked like they danced elsewhere the rest of the week. You know, next to a metal pole.
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on February 18, 2010, 06:52:51 PM
The Tomcats games were pretty well attended. My favorite part was the cheerleaders who looked like they danced elsewhere the rest of the week. You know, next to a metal pole.
...basketball cheerleaders? ;D
Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on February 18, 2010, 12:18:45 AM
I say 2 yrs. If I get this contract job in Enid I should be able to go to the game in Oklahoma. Does anybody really think this will survive in Jax? I mean unless its country music or a monster truck show these people here dont show up.
HA HA HA HA HA LOL LOL LOL!
54-38 Jacksonville Sharks win! (vs. Oklahoma City)
Great Game!! Watched it online. Guess all the AFL games are brodcasted online now but poor video and audio quality. Plus the Sharks have a contract with CW17 to air some games. Nice!!!
http://www.jaxsharks.com/news/index.html?article_id=25
Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on February 18, 2010, 12:18:45 AM
I say 2 yrs. If I get this contract job in Enid I should be able to go to the game in Oklahoma. Does anybody really think this will survive in Jax? I mean unless its country music or a monster truck show these people here dont show up.
ENID? really? Enid? WTF? ENID? D I N E (As seen backward by a railroad worker) E N I D!
Actually, I might go to OKC to see Jacksonville play, visit bricktown or the Omni and other museums, but when I was done, I'd be back in Enid in a flash, They have better railroad action!OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: stephenc on April 03, 2010, 11:23:06 PM
Great Game!! Watched it online. Guess all the AFL games are brodcasted online now but poor video and audio quality. Plus the Sharks have a contract with CW17 to air some games. Nice!!!
http://www.jaxsharks.com/news/index.html?article_id=25
WTF? oh hell naw....Suns been in the city since 62 where their tv contract?
some Sharks games will also be on the NFL Network...that's the difference between arena football and minor league (AA no less) baseball!
Quote from: Coolyfett on April 06, 2010, 10:07:45 PM
Quote from: stephenc on April 03, 2010, 11:23:06 PM
Great Game!! Watched it online. Guess all the AFL games are brodcasted online now but poor video and audio quality. Plus the Sharks have a contract with CW17 to air some games. Nice!!!
http://www.jaxsharks.com/news/index.html?article_id=25
WTF? oh hell naw....Suns been in the city since 62 where their tv contract?
oh I agee. Always thought that channel 4 should have picked up the games when they went independent a few years back. I'd much rather watch the Suns than reruns of shows that's aired on cable too. I think attendance would jump enormously if they were on tv. They get a whole lot more publicity. May even be able to compete with Richimd or San Antonio for a MLB team.
Not only would the attendance probably rise when people see how much fun it could be, but the revenue stream could be beneficial to both parties.
Nice. I'm going to be at a few games at least!
Next Friday is the first game... anybody else going? Tailgate??
Might be heading there, be a good reason to drink a few on my birthday anyway.
Sharks signed former Gator Dallas Baker the Touchdown Maker today......
http://www.jaxsharks.com/home/
I should be there as well.
I am going tonight. Anyone else confirmed? Should be a good crowd of 10k plus
over 11K announced attendance.
Dance routines were interesting.
Game was a lot of fun. All in all, good cheap fun.
I had a awesome time. The crowd was a bit rougher than Jags games. It was more in line with say a monster truck show type fan, but it was still fun. I think they have a winner with this.
How was the attendance on the second game? I was unable to make it. I heard they pulled off a nail biting win.
Heard it was good 11 thou range I believe. I am looking forward to going myself.