The MLL Rochester Rattlers are relocating and "will play in Frisco, Texas," at the Ford Center at The Star beginning next year, according to Jeff DiVeronica of the ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE. MLL in August "held its championship game" at The Star "as a way to test the market." The Rattlers last season "were operated" by USL Rhinos Owners David and Wendy Dworkin and played at the Rhinos' facility, Capelli Sport Stadium. The Rattlers debuted in '01 and "played at a few different venues locally." The Rattlers won the '08 MLL title, but issues with the Rochester Sports Group, "coupled with poor support by fans, led to the club moving to Toronto." The Rattlers returned to Rochester in '11 and "were owned and run" by former Rhinos Owner Rob Clark. MLL Commissioner David Gross last month said that the Rattlers "haven't had local ownership for at least a couple seasons." MLL co-Founder and New Balance Chair Jim Davis had most recently owned the team, but "had no ties to Rochester" (ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, 11/17). INSIDELACROSSE.com's Kyle Devitte noted the Rattlers are "expected to retain" their current name and logo in Dallas. MLL over the past few months "has been taking increasingly serious steps to either move -- or shutter completely" -- the franchise. Reports of the team moving to Dallas "were rampant last year, but that deal was rumored to have fallen through at the last moment" (INSIDELACROSSE.com, 11/16).
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST? DiVeronica noted the Dworkins on Wednesday indicated that they have "set a Nov. 30 deadline to raise" $1.3M or the Rhinos "will cease operations" after 22 years. The owners "termed a 'call to action,' as they seek help from community and business leaders to reach an ambitious goal before a league deadline on player contracts arrives on Nov. 30." The team had a "bleak outlook after averaging the lowest attendance in Rhinos history" in '17. The Dworkins, who took over in March '16, said that "they've invested" $3M in the Rhinos (ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, 11/16).
