Arena Football League - Philadelphia
Philadelphia Franchise On Hold Until 2004
Philadelphians will have to wait another year for the
arrival of indoor football.
The Arena Football League has pushed back the launch
of the city's expansion franchise until 2004. It
originally was supposed to start play in 2003.
"Toronto decided that they weren't going to play in
'03, and we were basically joined at the hip with them,"
said former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski, who will be
one of the owners of Philadelphia's Arena League
franchise. "So we were pushed back with them."
The Toronto franchise suspended operations for a year
because of financial problems. The league will have one
expansion team this season, the Colorado Crush, which is
owned by John Elway and Broncos owner Pat Bowlen.
The delay will give Jaworski time to bring in some
new partners. The team's original ownership group was
dissolved.
"It's in a state of flux right now," he said.
"I am moving forward with a new ownership group that
is not yet solidified."
The team will play its games in the First Union
Center.
"It's just a matter of when we're going to play and
who's going to pay the bills," Jaworski said.
Former Eagles general manager Jim Murray is expected
to be the indoor team's general manager.
"I have spoken to Jim about being the GM," Jaworski
said.
"We've had great meetings. If all goes well, by
February or March, Jim would be the guy I'd bring on
board."
This article was taken from
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