I know only a few members follow the AFL, but the season kicks off February 29th, so I thought I'd get a thread going & see who's interested.  There were some significant rule changes for '08, and here's the link. http://www.arenafootball.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=20823&SPID=1563&DB_OEM_ID=3500&ATCLID=1287704

I use to watch the Arena Football League, when Oklahoma had there Wranglers team, though they were to cheap to keep them so I have not watched it since than.

 The league is trying to make itself more mainstream, and more profitable, but attendance at the games has been pretty weak in many cities.  So, teams will fold, or relocate, or, like Austin (Wranglers) did, move down to AF2.  It's a fun game, and I love it, but I hope they're able to find the right formula for success.  They just don't seem to know how to reach the average football fan. 

Hey Trader, thanks for the 411.  I live in the Austin area.  I've been to a couple of Wranglers games and I must say, it is exciting to watch live.  I heard there were doing something to the team.  I was hoping the would've fold here in Austin.  So what does that mean, AF2. They still stick around Austin right?  Does the AF2 get TV time?

 No TV time that I'm aware of.  AF2 is like the farm system for the Arena Football League; the minor leagues, if you will.  And if you consider the AFL the minor leagues, AF2 is a step below that .  Here's the link for their team site http://www.austinwranglers.com/

I've never seen an AF2 game, but it's local football for you, and should be fun to watch.  There's been talk of putting a team semi-close to me, but nothing yet.  When they do, I'll be there.  I've been following Orlando for the last 5 years or so, but they're a few hours away from me, so I make do watching games on TV.

I saw the Wranglers a couple of times last year, it was pretty fun. I guess now they are in the AFL2, maybe I'll get a chance to see Quincy play if that's the case!

One particular rule change looks familiar! The NFL could've had that rule change, but the damn competition committee voted it down! Now, Arena Football is the first league to have the communication system built into defensive player's helmets.

I will say this: I'm glad they made the movement of the "Jack" Linebacker more liberal. But I am a little upset that fumbles that hit the wall kill the play.

By the way, for those of you unfamiliar with Arena Football, two teams have people who carry Dallas Cowboys ties; The Utah Blaze's head coach is former Cowboys QB Danny White, and the Dallas Desperadoes are owned by Jerry Jones.

If you count af2, Deion Sanders is a part-owner of the Austin Wranglers, and Quincy Carter's status is uncertain, due to his October 07 arrest, and the fact that he's in rehab. 

 I like the changes too, but I think the fumble rule only applies to an "out of the endzone" type of play, which is good. 

Endline on fumbles – Any fumble that hits a wall adjacent to the endline will be a dead ball upon contact with the wall.

Looks like they're trying to take some of the handcuffs off the defense. Freeing up the jack should allow more defensive plays and reduce the penalty count.  Those "jack out of the box" penalties are maddening.  

 The AFL season kicks off this weekend, with Dallas vs. Georgia being shown nationally on ABC at 1pm EST.  The local TV package hasn't been posted yet, if you can believe it, but here's the schedule for this weekend.  San Jose vs. Chicago will be shown Monday night, on ESPN2, and you can check FSN and your local cable channels for regional-type of games.  

 

WEEK 1 SCHEDULE

 

                           * ABC, ABC HD

                           # ESPN2

 

 Here's the Desperados TV schedule, as it stands now.  6 televised games isn't great, but better than most other teams.  Hopefully they can get some more games on FSN and cable as the season progresses.

http://www.arenafootball.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=3500&KEY=&SPID=1551&SPSID=19834 

 

Since i just moved to Florida this year and am right outside of Orlando I'm going to be hoping the Orlando Preds do their thing this year I'd like to get some season tix. TraderDave how are the cheap seats at the arena?

with my arms crossed I unwontedly went to a soul game.after 10 minuets Ii was loving it....GO DESPERADO'S.I still hate Phila in any sport.

 I live about 3 hours south of Orlando, but I've been to a few games.  I think the lower bowl is much better than the upper, but the view is still excellent if you  want to sit up a little higher.  If you like endzone seats, you'll be able to see the action up against the wall, and you might catch a football that misses the net.  Definitely go to a game, you'll have a blast.  The Predator fans are vocal, and usually fill the arena, so it's a fun atmosphere.  Even more fun when we WIN!

GO PREDS!!

billbates:

with my arms crossed I unwontedly went to a soul game.after 10 minuets Ii was loving it....GO DESPERADO'S.I still hate Phila in any sport.

 

Any football fan who's not crazy about the league should go to a game in person before writing it off.  Some cities have better attendance than others, but watching an exciting game in person will get you hooked.  Glad you enjoyed it; and I hate Philly too.  I was never a fan of Bon Jovi, the singer, but I hate him now! . They killed.....yes KILLED the Predators this past weekend.  They've beaten us, like, 3 out of the last 4 times or something.  SICK!!

traderdave:

billbates:

with my arms crossed I unwontedly went to a soul game.after 10 minuets Ii was loving it....GO DESPERADO'S.I still hate Phila in any sport.

 

Any football fan who's not crazy about the league should go to a game in person before writing it off.  Some cities have better attendance than others, but watching an exciting game in person will get you hooked.  Glad you enjoyed it; and I hate Philly too.  I was never a fan of Bon Jovi, the singer, but I hate him now! . They killed.....yes KILLED the Predators this past weekend.  They've beaten us, like, 3 out of the last 4 times or something.  SICK!!

yep it sure was fun.In my head I kept screaming yo ref dudes in motion flag, flag l.o.l...it took a little time to get use too.I really like the part of fans stealing the ball. and those goal posts width is pretty narrow.unfortunately its a 3 hour ride too phila from here. but if asked i would definitely go again.