The new Alliance of American Football is "focusing much of its attention" on San Antonio in the buildup to its inaugural season in February, according to W. Scott Bailey of the SAN ANTONIO BUSINESS JOURNAL. AAF officials "chose San Antonio as host site for the league's quarterback camp," which was held recently at the Alamodome as a "precursor to the first Alliance draft, held Tuesday in Las Vegas." In January, all eight AAF franchises will "converge on San Antonio for an extended training camp." The teams are "expected to make use of several of the city's football facilities." San Antonio Commanders head coach Mike Riley said, "All of the people running this league have been impressed with the city and the facilities. There has been great cooperation with the city, the Alamodome and with UTSA." Commanders QB Dustin Vaughan said, "San Antonio is the central hub for this league. That's very smart. It's a prime market and a perfect place to promote the league." Bailey noted San Antonio is "not the largest" AAF market, but it is "enticing because it's one of the largest markets in the country yet to secure -- or lose -- an NFL team" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 11/28).
ANCHORS AWAY: In San Diego, Tom Krasovic wrote the AAF has "split the uprights" with several details of the San Diego Fleet's launch. The moniker and battleship logo "honors the U.S. Navy and its longtime relationship with San Diego," which is a "smart move." San Diego Fleet President Jeff Garner said that the AAF "sought a unique color scheme" for the team, with "two shades of gray and yellow." Garner said that the Fleet "leads the eight-team Alliance in general merchandise sales" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 11/28).
