New Team on the Block

"We're doing a reverse Modell," Jim Ferraro joked at this month's press conference where he announced news that won't break any local football fan's heart. Along with his partner, Cleveland Browns legend Bernie Kosar, Ferraro revealed plans to move his Arena Football League (AFL) franchise from Las Vegas to Cleveland, or as Ferraro affectionately called the city, "the best football town in the world."

"This is an awesome opportunity," said Kosar, who will act as team president and CEO. "Not only for me, but for people who are hungry for football."

The fan-friendly brand of high intensity gridiron action will happen at Quicken Loans Arena and serve as an off-season fix for Northeast Ohio's football junkies.

Arena football is growing nationally. In 2008, the AFL will enter its 22nd season with 18 teams across the country. In 2007, the AFL set a record for regular-season attendance with 1,887,054 spectators. The league has attracted fans through a combination of superior athletics, affordable ticket prices and community involvement.

"We're committed to winning both on and off the field," said the franchise's head coach, Mike Wilpolt. The team will take an active roll in events in Northeast Ohio, and players will sign autographs after every game.

At the press conference, Kosar told the crowd he jumped at the opportunity to again be a part of quality football in Northeast Ohio.

"I'm not doing this for the nice press conferences or to get my name in the paper," Kosar said. "I'm doing this so we can be proud of this. I've spent time trying to do this right." Kosar personally interviewed the candidates for the head coach position and will be active in the team's acquisition of free agents.

The 2008 regular season begins on March 3, when as-of-yet-unnamed Cleveland team will face the New York Dragons at The Q. Tickets start at $12 a game.