The AFL will debut in Indianapolis next year after the league and Pacers Sports & Entertainment announced yesterday the relocation of the Albany Firebirds to Conseco Fieldhouse, according to Stephen Beaven of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Starting next season, the Firebirds will begin play in April with eight home games. The team's relocation was prompted by "waning attendance and sparse sponsorship opportunities in Albany," as the Firebirds "lost money" in ten of their 11 years in Albany. Pacers Sports & Entertainment President Donnie Walsh said that the Pacers have been "interested in the AFL" since '86: "We've always felt this sport would have enough excitement to it that it would do well here." Firebirds Owner Glenn Mazula is looking for partners, but Walsh said that the Pacers are not interested in an ownership stake. The Firebirds will lease Conseco from the Pacers (INDY STAR, 10/20). GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: In Albany, Mark Singelais reports that plans are already underway to bring an af2 team to Pepsi Arena. AFL Dir of Media Services Mark Malzewski: "We are committed to making sure we have Arena Football in Albany. It probably won't be for the upcoming season, but hopefully by 2002." The Firebirds' Mazula: "This [AFL] has just grown so fast that Albany cannot support a team in the AFL any longer" (Albany TIMES UNION, 10/20).
