The WCHL has accepted the application from CoachSports,
Inc. for the Long Beach Ice Dogs to join the league beginning
in 2000. The Ice Dogs, who had played in the IHL since '95,
become the WCHL's ninth franchise (WCHL). In CA, Dan Wood
wrote that CoachSports "plans to place" a franchise in a
proposed arena in Ontario in 2002, as well as "add another
one or two WCHL franchises within the next 18 months." Ice
Dogs Owner Barry Kemp said that operating costs in the WCHL
"are approximately" $3-3.5M annually, compared to $6-6.5M in
the IHL (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 6/28).
NEW LEASE ON LIFE: In Albuquerque, Glen Rosales reported
that the WPHL Scorpions have renewed their lease with the New
Mexico State Fair Commission to play at Tingley Coliseum for
the next five seasons. Under a $9M, two-year "facelift," the
arena "has been outfitted" with new seats, a new audio
system, a new roof, completed concession concourses and a new
locker room (ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL, 6/29).
ON TARGET? The FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL's Dan
Strempel writes an 8,500-seat arena for an AHL franchise in
Bridgeport, CT, "is scheduled to open" by September 2001.
The state has "allocated" $35M toward the project, but cost
estimates are now $45M (F.C. BUSINESS JOURNAL, 6/26).
TWICE AS NICE: The IPFL has named the Trenton Lightning
and St. Louis Renegades as expansion franchises for the 2001
season. The Lightning will play at Sovereign Bank Arena
while the Renegades will play at the Family Arena (IPFL).
IBL EXPANSION: Flint, MI, has been awarded an IBL
franchise for the 2000-01 season. The team, which is owned
by the Flint/Genesee Basketball Association, will likely play
at the IMA Sports Arena (IBL).
