Post by 50yardfan on Jan 11, 2011 11:06:12 GMT -5
www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110111/A_SPORTS/101110322
STOCKTON - The San Jose Wolves are getting closer to the day they can make their pitch to relocate in Stockton.
Although the Wolves cannot sign a contract to play the American Indoor Football Association West season at Stockton Arena until SMG, based in Pennsylvania, takes over operation of the facility, scheduled for Feb. 25, talks could begin if the Stockton City Council approves the agreement as expected on Jan. 25.
"(The Wolves) could begin working with SMG during the transition period, which starts right after the council approves the agreement," Stockton deputy city manager Laurie Montes said.
Bob Cavalieri, SMG's senior vice president of business development, said the company manages 75 arenas, several of which host arena football teams, and would talk to the AIFA team.
"We're absolutely open to the idea of talking to them," Cavaieri said. "We want to put product in the building and serve the community."
Wolves general manager and president Bennie King has been exploring the possibility of playing in Stockton since August, and the season likely will begin in March. The process was delayed while the city negotiated a buyout with International Facilities Group, which had managed the arena and other city venues since 2005.
The Wolves played their home games at the Cow Palace in Daly City last season but will move to Stockton or suspend operations in 2011. King said he was encouraged when the buyout was completed last week and is looking forward to the chance to begin negotiations.
"We're very happy we'll get a chance to open discussions," King said. "For us, the faster, the better. We hope to get things rolling and let the league know our plans as quick as possible, so they can plan accordingly."
The Wolves were 9-5 last season and drew between 1,400 and 3,000 fans.
In its final season in 2009, the Stockton Lightning of arenafootball2 averaged 4,000 per game.
STOCKTON - The San Jose Wolves are getting closer to the day they can make their pitch to relocate in Stockton.
Although the Wolves cannot sign a contract to play the American Indoor Football Association West season at Stockton Arena until SMG, based in Pennsylvania, takes over operation of the facility, scheduled for Feb. 25, talks could begin if the Stockton City Council approves the agreement as expected on Jan. 25.
"(The Wolves) could begin working with SMG during the transition period, which starts right after the council approves the agreement," Stockton deputy city manager Laurie Montes said.
Bob Cavalieri, SMG's senior vice president of business development, said the company manages 75 arenas, several of which host arena football teams, and would talk to the AIFA team.
"We're absolutely open to the idea of talking to them," Cavaieri said. "We want to put product in the building and serve the community."
Wolves general manager and president Bennie King has been exploring the possibility of playing in Stockton since August, and the season likely will begin in March. The process was delayed while the city negotiated a buyout with International Facilities Group, which had managed the arena and other city venues since 2005.
The Wolves played their home games at the Cow Palace in Daly City last season but will move to Stockton or suspend operations in 2011. King said he was encouraged when the buyout was completed last week and is looking forward to the chance to begin negotiations.
"We're very happy we'll get a chance to open discussions," King said. "For us, the faster, the better. We hope to get things rolling and let the league know our plans as quick as possible, so they can plan accordingly."
The Wolves were 9-5 last season and drew between 1,400 and 3,000 fans.
In its final season in 2009, the Stockton Lightning of arenafootball2 averaged 4,000 per game.