Hey Utah, Are You Ready for Some Football?

AFL approves Salt Lake City for 2006

NEW YORK -– The Arena Football League Board of Directors approved an application from an ownership group in Salt Lake City, Utah to begin play in 2006 and set the divisional alignment for the 2005 season during a meeting today via conference call.

“Salt Lake City is a world-class sports market and will be a great addition to the Arena Football League,” said AFL Commissioner DAVID BAKER. “I feel confident that with the addition of Salt Lake City, coupled with serious interest from significant ownership groups in Boston, Kansas City, Miami and Washington, we will have 20 strong teams heading into our 20th season in 2006.”

One of the great things about arena football is that folks that don't have NFL teams, like Grand Rapids or... Los Angeles, get to enjoy pro football. And with the AF2 (arena football's minor league) folks from Wichita to Wilkes-Barre get in on the fun. as well.

The Kats are coming back to Nashville next season and now Utah's on track for '06. I wonder which of the four cities mentioned will be getting their team first. The Washington Warriors have been in the rumormill for a while. It'd be nice to have someplace roadtripable to catch the Soul on the road.

An AFL team in New England would be cool. One of the other things about arena football is, no matter what sort of crappy weather is going on outside, you're warm (or cool) and dry inside. Something that would be as welcome in New England as it is in Arizona. Did you know Arizona has a pro-football team that actually wins?

A third team for Florida? Hmm... I wonder if they'll start a new team in Miami or bring back the Hooters. Yes, those Hooters. I hope not. They might stop sending Hooters Girls to run out on the field to toss out t-shirts during commerical breaks at all the Soul home games. And that would not be a Good Thing.