Commissioner Baker Upbeat on Season
Scott Reed
Tuesday July 25, 2000
Although the Arena Football League got off to a rocky start with a labor dispute between the owners and the players, C. David Baker, Commissioner of the AFL said during a teleconference today that he is pleased with the results from this past season. Factors that confirm his emotions include attendance most likely reaching the 2 million mark this weekend (combined AFL & af2), new teams that have entered the league (Los Angeles, Carolina, Oklahoma City) surpassed expectations, and the new playoff format providing longer lasting fan interest. The biggest surprise of all was the attendance of the AF2 league. Attendance figures were anticipated to average around 4,000 per game. That figure has come in at approximately 7,500 per game.
C. David Baker
Image courtesy of Mike Wright |
With 12 nationally televised games within the next three weeks, TV exposure was also considered a positive part of the 2000 season. TNN has had significant success with the AFL telecasts. Viewer rating has steadily increased over this same time period last year. Although Eli Gold is new to arena football, he loves the high scoring. “It is difficult to watch a 2-1 soccer match and listen to the announcers call it an insurmountable lead.”
As for the negatives...not many. The average attendance for the AFL dropped 4% and sponsor revenue is down. However, this was more likely due to the brief cancellation of the season. Those player differences will be resolved before the 2001 season begins.
Eli Gold of TNN, the newly labeled “Voice of Arena Football”, was asked who he thought would be the contenders for the Arena Bowl. His dark horse teams included Oklahoma City and Buffalo; his favorites, San Jose and Orlando. When asked about how badly the league needs the NFL to exercise their option in March of 2002, he replied, “I believe we are seeing cooperation already.” Take for example the Buffalo NFL Bills and the AFL Destroyers. Their merchandise is being displayed side-by-side and their advertisements are AFL friendly.
TNN`s Eli Gold
Image courtesy of TNN |
On another topic, Commissioner Baker was asked how the newly formed XFL would affect the league. “I’m not sure what it is yet. They play outdoors. Their schedule is February through April and ours is April through August.” He went on to mention that if the XFL presents WWF-type entertainment then they will most likely draw that type of crowd. The possibility does exist, however, that players could play in both leagues.
As we head into the postseason, teams are probably feeling like it is Christmas Eve. Not knowing what they are going to get but always hoping that it is something they want. No matter who takes the Arena Bowl championship on August 21st, those 11 lumps of coal should still be considered diamonds to everyone involved.
Scott Reed was a writer for ArenaFan Online from 2000 to 2002.
The opinions expressed in the article above are only those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts, opinions, or official stance of ArenaFan Online or its staff, or the Arena Football League, or any AFL or af2 teams.
