(01-09-2015 12:36 PM)The Frisky Biscuit Wrote:  

(01-09-2015 12:02 PM)Policiious Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 11:54 PM)thehappyhuskie Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 11:26 PM)huskiebob Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 09:57 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

On a board that complains about how Chicago isn't invested in college sports, some of you are actually suggesting that there be MORE professional sports teams?

Yes because the football organization that plays in Soldier Field is professional in name only. They are one giant clown car and have been for years, ditto for the baseball team that plays in Wrigley Field.

Yes, but people care a lot about that clown car and aren't going to leave it for a clown car they think isn't as important.

I am envisioning the pregame ceremony where a VW Beatle parks in the middle of the big "C" on the fifty, and one-by-one, the Chicago Bears emerge from it.

Back when the Blackhawks were clown car material, the attendance at Wolves games was really high.

(01-09-2015 01:13 PM)Huskie_Jon Wrote:  

(01-09-2015 12:36 PM)The Frisky Biscuit Wrote:  

(01-09-2015 12:02 PM)Policiious Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 11:54 PM)thehappyhuskie Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 11:26 PM)huskiebob Wrote:  

On a board that complains about how Chicago isn't invested in college sports, some of you are actually suggesting that there be MORE professional sports teams?

Yes because the football organization that plays in Soldier Field is professional in name only. They are one giant clown car and have been for years, ditto for the baseball team that plays in Wrigley Field.

Yes, but people care a lot about that clown car and aren't going to leave it for a clown car they think isn't as important.

I am envisioning the pregame ceremony where a VW Beatle parks in the middle of the big "C" on the fifty, and one-by-one, the Chicago Bears emerge from it.

Back when the Blackhawks were clown car material, the attendance at Wolves games was really high.

I don't think anything takes out the NFL though.

(01-09-2015 12:36 PM)The Frisky Biscuit Wrote:  

(01-09-2015 12:02 PM)Policiious Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 11:54 PM)thehappyhuskie Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 11:26 PM)huskiebob Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 09:57 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

On a board that complains about how Chicago isn't invested in college sports, some of you are actually suggesting that there be MORE professional sports teams?

Yes because the football organization that plays in Soldier Field is professional in name only. They are one giant clown car and have been for years, ditto for the baseball team that plays in Wrigley Field.

Yes, but people care a lot about that clown car and aren't going to leave it for a clown car they think isn't as important.

A CFL franchise in Chicago would not be a clown car since it would not be inhibited by the Non Import Rule, it would win and teams that win in this town draw fans.
Not only that at least half the CFL's season is over before the NFL's season begins

(01-09-2015 01:13 PM)Huskie_Jon Wrote:  

(01-09-2015 12:36 PM)The Frisky Biscuit Wrote:  

(01-09-2015 12:02 PM)Policiious Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 11:54 PM)thehappyhuskie Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 11:26 PM)huskiebob Wrote:  

On a board that complains about how Chicago isn't invested in college sports, some of you are actually suggesting that there be MORE professional sports teams?

Yes because the football organization that plays in Soldier Field is professional in name only. They are one giant clown car and have been for years, ditto for the baseball team that plays in Wrigley Field.

Yes, but people care a lot about that clown car and aren't going to leave it for a clown car they think isn't as important.

I am envisioning the pregame ceremony where a VW Beatle parks in the middle of the big "C" on the fifty, and one-by-one, the Chicago Bears emerge from it.

Back when the Blackhawks were clown car material, the attendance at Wolves games was really high.

Even now that the BlackHawks are back to being a professional franchise, the Wolves still draw well over 8K per game last year and 300K total.
NIU's attendance issues have to do with engaging/rengaging the NIU alumni base more than any competition it faces from pro/college sports teams. There are thousands of NIU alums in metro Chicago to draw from. I'm not one and I attended road games in 14.

(01-09-2015 02:50 PM)Policiious Wrote:  

(01-09-2015 12:36 PM)The Frisky Biscuit Wrote:  

(01-09-2015 12:02 PM)Policiious Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 11:54 PM)thehappyhuskie Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 11:26 PM)huskiebob Wrote:  

On a board that complains about how Chicago isn't invested in college sports, some of you are actually suggesting that there be MORE professional sports teams?

Yes because the football organization that plays in Soldier Field is professional in name only. They are one giant clown car and have been for years, ditto for the baseball team that plays in Wrigley Field.

Yes, but people care a lot about that clown car and aren't going to leave it for a clown car they think isn't as important.

A CFL franchise in Chicago would not be a clown car since it would not be inhibited by the Non Import Rule, it would win and teams that win in this town draw fans.
Not only that at least half the CFL's season is over before the NFL's season begins

Stop talking like this is a fact. You have absolutely no way of knowing whether the CFL would waive the Non-Import Player Rule. You also have no way of knowing whether the CFL is even interested in expansion to the U.S. There was a 3-year experiment with U.S. teams from 1993-1995 which was abruptly terminated.

Quote:Despite some positive initial attendance numbers, after three years it was clear that general American fan interest in Canadian football was sparse.

The American attendance, outside of Baltimore was very MAC-like. An additional Chicago Football franchise, unless it was a NFL team, would not draw well.

Here's another newsflash - A CFL field wouldn't fit in most American stadiums. The playing field is 110 yds long PLUS each end zone is 20 yds long. That means an additional 30 yds of length is needed for a CFL field.

(01-09-2015 04:31 PM)huskiebob Wrote:  Here's another newsflash - A CFL field wouldn't fit in most American stadiums. The playing field is 110 yds long PLUS each end zone is 20 yds long. That means an additional 30 yds of length is needed for a CFL field.

It is also 12 yards wider.

I just don't see the appetite for football other than standard American Football. The Chicago Rush ceased operations in 2013. Arena Football has tried but can't catch. the NFL Developmental League (what you've never heard of it?) is struggling at best.

people like their football with 100 yards and four downs.

(01-09-2015 06:07 PM)thehappyhuskie Wrote:  I just don't see the appetite for football other than standard American Football. The Chicago Rush ceased operations in 2013. Arena Football has tried but can't catch. the NFL Developmental League (what you've never heard of it?) is struggling at best.

Yep. Also the Vince McMahon XFL experiment of the early 2000s.

Regardless, I will be tuning into some CFL games this season!

Edmonton was interested in Lynch in Oct., 2012. Scroll down.



http://www.torontosun.com/2012/10/17/edm...enty-at-qb

(01-09-2015 02:50 PM)Policiious Wrote:  

(01-09-2015 12:36 PM)The Frisky Biscuit Wrote:  

(01-09-2015 12:02 PM)Policiious Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 11:54 PM)thehappyhuskie Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 11:26 PM)huskiebob Wrote:  

On a board that complains about how Chicago isn't invested in college sports, some of you are actually suggesting that there be MORE professional sports teams?

Yes because the football organization that plays in Soldier Field is professional in name only. They are one giant clown car and have been for years, ditto for the baseball team that plays in Wrigley Field.

Yes, but people care a lot about that clown car and aren't going to leave it for a clown car they think isn't as important.

A CFL franchise in Chicago would not be a clown car since it would not be inhibited by the Non Import Rule, it would win and teams that win in this town draw fans.
Not only that at least half the CFL's season is over before the NFL's season begins

It might be good but I doubt it draws.

(01-09-2015 04:31 PM)huskiebob Wrote:  Here's another newsflash - A CFL field wouldn't fit in most American stadiums. The playing field is 110 yds long PLUS each end zone is 20 yds long. That means an additional 30 yds of length is needed for a CFL field.

Yes, it actually worked in Baltimore because Memorial Stadium, which was the Orioles home until 1991, and the home of the Bowie Baysox minor league team as the deal was being ratified with the CFL, was a multi-purpose stadium, one that had a lot of width to it as well as the necessary length from the Colts and USFL Stars games.

(01-09-2015 10:17 AM)Huskie_Jon Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 08:29 PM)baltimorehuskie Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 05:24 PM)Doggone Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 05:16 PM)huskiebob Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 05:08 PM)Policiious Wrote:  They did it with the Baltimore Stallions and also had a franchise in Sacramento. If there is an American city that could support a CFL team it is Chicago

Even if the CFL put a team in an American city, they would not waive the Non-Import Player Rules. A team that was 100% American would dominate and they know it.

They did have American teams in the 1990s. The American teams were not subject to the Non Import Rules that the Canadian teams were. Baltimore won the Grey Cup in 1995.

Stallions forever!!!!! That was one fun team to watch - and Baltimore football fans were starved for real football after being without a team for 10 years - kind of like Chicago - ba dump bump - just kidding-lol

I remember the Baltimore CFL team was originally called the Baltimore Colts, but the NFL sued them, so with a little airbrushing magic, they changed their name to the Baltimore CFLs.

Apparently the NFL still owns "Baltimore Colts", even thought they are no longer in Baltimore. That did not prevent the NFL from using the name of an old WFL team: Houston Texans. I guess defunct leagues can not sue.

I think a new Baltimore CFL team would not be as popular among Baltimore fans, as they now have another NFL team.

Remember the Baltimore Stars?

Do I ?!!!! Kelvin Bryant, Chuck Fusina, that offense - man-oh-man! I still check out old USFL games on Youtube from time to time - what a time and what a fascinating league!

The USFL almost had it right. Spring games(they tried to move to the fall in '86), recruit local college talent, secure a few big time players, play in major stadiums and a get major network tv deal. (Blitz uniforms were awesome btw)

As football crazy as the U.S. is, i don't understand why the NFL doesn't have a spring developmental league. Fill part of the roster with fringe NFL talents from the B1G and MAC that local fans know, some of the roster can be aging veterans trying to stay in the league, while some can be NFLers who got cut for injury or contract reasons. Plus the NFL could trial run rule changes in this league first.

The logistics are probability a nightmare, but it could keep football fans ruining their Sundays on the couch for an extra 3 months a year.

(01-10-2015 03:15 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  The USFL almost had it right. Spring games(they tried to move to the fall in '86), recruit local college talent, secure a few big time players, play in major stadiums and a get major network tv deal. (Blitz uniforms were awesome btw)

As football crazy as the U.S. is, i don't understand why the NFL doesn't have a spring developmental league. Fill part of the roster with fringe NFL talents from the B1G and MAC that local fans know, some of the roster can be aging veterans trying to stay in the league, while some can be NFLers who got cut for injury or contract reasons. Plus the NFL could trial run rule changes in this league first.

The logistics are probability a nightmare, but it could keep football fans ruining their Sundays on the couch for an extra 3 months a year.

They like having the NCAA teams do it for free. But it would be awesome if there were farm teams for the NFL. Injuries might not be so devastating if you had guys you've been working with in your system and such.

Plus there are football stadiums everywhere, so they wouldn't have to build anything. But I think the NCAA/NFL like the arrangement the way it is.

THIS IS YOUR YEAR TO VISIT CANADA! THE ALL CANADA SHOW!!!

(01-10-2015 03:35 PM)Big_Man Wrote:  THIS IS YOUR YEAR TO VISIT CANADA! THE ALL CANADA SHOW!!!

I can't get that damn jingle out of my head. EVERY. DAMN. YEAR.

And I drive right by where it's held so I see the signs and sing it aloud and hate myself more each day.

THE ALL CANADA SHOW!

(01-10-2015 04:09 PM)The Frisky Biscuit Wrote:  

(01-10-2015 03:35 PM)Big_Man Wrote:  THIS IS YOUR YEAR TO VISIT CANADA! THE ALL CANADA SHOW!!!

I can't get that damn jingle out of my head. EVERY. DAMN. YEAR.

And I drive right by where it's held so I see the signs and sing it aloud and hate myself more each day.

THE ALL CANADA SHOW!

Yeah, it is dreadful. It is always in my head.

(01-09-2015 04:14 PM)huskiebob Wrote:  

(01-09-2015 02:50 PM)Policiious Wrote:  

(01-09-2015 12:36 PM)The Frisky Biscuit Wrote:  

(01-09-2015 12:02 PM)Policiious Wrote:  

(01-08-2015 11:54 PM)thehappyhuskie Wrote:  On a board that complains about how Chicago isn't invested in college sports, some of you are actually suggesting that there be MORE professional sports teams?

Yes because the football organization that plays in Soldier Field is professional in name only. They are one giant clown car and have been for years, ditto for the baseball team that plays in Wrigley Field.

Yes, but people care a lot about that clown car and aren't going to leave it for a clown car they think isn't as important.

A CFL franchise in Chicago would not be a clown car since it would not be inhibited by the Non Import Rule, it would win and teams that win in this town draw fans.
Not only that at least half the CFL's season is over before the NFL's season begins

Stop talking like this is a fact. You have absolutely no way of knowing whether the CFL would waive the Non-Import Player Rule. You also have no way of knowing whether the CFL is even interested in expansion to the U.S. There was a 3-year experiment with U.S. teams from 1993-1995 which was abruptly terminated.

Quote:Despite some positive initial attendance numbers, after three years it was clear that general American fan interest in Canadian football was sparse.

The Non Import Rule was waived for Every US based CFL team, no American ownership group would invest in a US based team unless CFL leadership did it again. Grow a brain and get a clue will ya!

(01-10-2015 04:26 PM)Big_Man Wrote:  

(01-10-2015 04:09 PM)The Frisky Biscuit Wrote:  

(01-10-2015 03:35 PM)Big_Man Wrote:  THIS IS YOUR YEAR TO VISIT CANADA! THE ALL CANADA SHOW!!!

I can't get that damn jingle out of my head. EVERY. DAMN. YEAR.

And I drive right by where it's held so I see the signs and sing it aloud and hate myself more each day.

THE ALL CANADA SHOW!

Yeah, it is dreadful. It is always in my head.

I vowed many moons ago to never visit the ALL CANADA SHOW. I'm trying not to hold it against Canada, though.