The Houston-based Spring Football League (SFL) is
"putting the finishing touches" on a DC franchise to be
called the D.C. Veterans, according to Eric Fisher of the
WASHINGTON TIMES, who reported that the team will play at
RFK Stadium when the league is expected to debut in March.
Other teams will be placed in Miami, L.A., Houston, Canton,
OH, Jackson, MS, San Antonio and Birmingham, AL. Fisher
wrote that though league and stadium officials "have not
signed a lease yet," negotiations are "ongoing." The SFL is
"seeking" a $100,000 franchise fee for this season, with a
"jump" to $2.5M in 2001 because TV revenues and attendance
are "expected to improve significantly." The league is also
"pushing" team ownership by former NFL players and SFL Chair
of the Board of Governors Mark Rice said that several former
Redskins "have expressed interest in owning a piece" of the
DC team. The league also plans to broadcast its games
through its official Web site (WASHINGTON TIMES, 12/16).
BANKING ON A NEW ARENA: The Indoor Pro Football League
Idaho Stallions announced they will play their home games at
the Bank of America Centre in 2000 (Stallions). In ID,
Derek Samson writes that Stallions Owner Jim Carlson's
survey of season-ticket holders and sponsors indicated that
four out of five "preferred a move" from the Idaho Center to
the Bank of America Centre. Carlson said the team "struck"
a multi-year deal with the arena (IDAHO STATESMAN, 12/17).
