Post by 50yardfan on Oct 13, 2010 14:35:18 GMT -5
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September 20, 2010 12:00 AM
STOCKTON - The San Jose Wolves have put all their multi-colored footballs in one basket.
Stockton is the only city on the arena football franchise's relocation wish list. But the Wolves must wait for the management change to be completed at Stockton Arena before they can begin negotiating a lease, and may consider suspending operations for a season if the change isn't made in time.
"Stockton is the perfect fit for us, it's the place we want to come," Wolves general manager Bennie King said. "We know we have to wait for some things to get resolved, and we honestly feel that if we are going to play football in the 2011 season, it's going to be in Stockton."
The Wolves, an American Indoor Football Association franchise, played last season at the Cow Palace in Daly City, and King said he is making some preparations in anticipation of a move to Stockton.
They are looking at office space in downtown Stockton and are holding a tryout for local athletes on Sept. 25 at Sangalang Park in Lathrop. Since AIFA teams need to have at least nine players that originate from within a 120-mile radius of the team's home town, the tryout is relevant even if the team stayed in the Bay Area.
King had hoped to have an answer about the possible move to Stockton before attending the AIFA meetings which took place last weekend in Reno.
"The sooner we know the sooner we can get things set up and start marketing the team if we come to Stockton," King said.
The Wolves will have to wait a while longer for an answer.
City officials have stated formal talks with the Wolves will not happen until they resolve the arena management issue. The city is in the process of trying to buyout a six-year-old contract with International Facilities Group, which manages Stockton Arena and other city-owned facilities, and bring in SMG, an international managementcompany.
Connie Cochran, the City of Stockton's public information officer, said no date has been set for completion of the arena management deal. She said any deal with the Wolves is in a "holding pattern."
"We want the new company to come in and look at the best use for the arena throughout the year," Cochran said.
King said part of the allure of coming to Stockton was how the area supported the Stockton Lightning during its four years (2006-09) as a member of the now-defunct arenafootball2. The Lightning averaged approximately 4,000 fans per game during its last season, while the Wolves drew between 1,416 and 3,000 fans last season, based on available information.
If the Wolves do not move to Stockton, they will either return to the Cow Palace or sit out the season.
"I'm sure we're always welcome to return to the Cow Palace. We paid all our bills and they were happy to have us," King said."But that's not what we want to do or what we think is best for the team. The best case scenario is Stockton."
September 20, 2010 12:00 AM
STOCKTON - The San Jose Wolves have put all their multi-colored footballs in one basket.
Stockton is the only city on the arena football franchise's relocation wish list. But the Wolves must wait for the management change to be completed at Stockton Arena before they can begin negotiating a lease, and may consider suspending operations for a season if the change isn't made in time.
"Stockton is the perfect fit for us, it's the place we want to come," Wolves general manager Bennie King said. "We know we have to wait for some things to get resolved, and we honestly feel that if we are going to play football in the 2011 season, it's going to be in Stockton."
The Wolves, an American Indoor Football Association franchise, played last season at the Cow Palace in Daly City, and King said he is making some preparations in anticipation of a move to Stockton.
They are looking at office space in downtown Stockton and are holding a tryout for local athletes on Sept. 25 at Sangalang Park in Lathrop. Since AIFA teams need to have at least nine players that originate from within a 120-mile radius of the team's home town, the tryout is relevant even if the team stayed in the Bay Area.
King had hoped to have an answer about the possible move to Stockton before attending the AIFA meetings which took place last weekend in Reno.
"The sooner we know the sooner we can get things set up and start marketing the team if we come to Stockton," King said.
The Wolves will have to wait a while longer for an answer.
City officials have stated formal talks with the Wolves will not happen until they resolve the arena management issue. The city is in the process of trying to buyout a six-year-old contract with International Facilities Group, which manages Stockton Arena and other city-owned facilities, and bring in SMG, an international managementcompany.
Connie Cochran, the City of Stockton's public information officer, said no date has been set for completion of the arena management deal. She said any deal with the Wolves is in a "holding pattern."
"We want the new company to come in and look at the best use for the arena throughout the year," Cochran said.
King said part of the allure of coming to Stockton was how the area supported the Stockton Lightning during its four years (2006-09) as a member of the now-defunct arenafootball2. The Lightning averaged approximately 4,000 fans per game during its last season, while the Wolves drew between 1,416 and 3,000 fans last season, based on available information.
If the Wolves do not move to Stockton, they will either return to the Cow Palace or sit out the season.
"I'm sure we're always welcome to return to the Cow Palace. We paid all our bills and they were happy to have us," King said."But that's not what we want to do or what we think is best for the team. The best case scenario is Stockton."