U.S. expansion back in the cards for the CFL?

Double J · Feb 5, 2009

write then drink said:

i remember watching a CFL game at memorial stadium

very weird but fun

wasn't their name "The Baltimore CFL Franchise?" while they fought an unsuccessful legal battle to be called the Colts?
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They were called the CFL's, or the "Baltimore Football Club." But during their first season, the PA guy would announce them as "your Baltimore CFL....." and the crowd would scream "COLTS!"

They changed their name to Stallions for their second and final season. At least it allowed them to keep their logo.

Rumpleforeskin · Feb 5, 2009

Wouldn't the league need to change it's name then?

Football_Bat · Feb 5, 2009

Rumpleforeskin said:

Wouldn't the league need to change it's name then?
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Nah. The Blue Jays play in the American League, don't they?

Double J · Feb 5, 2009

pressmurphy said:

Rochester? Rochester? He's talking about putting a franchise in Rochester?
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"I don't think so, Boss."

EmbassyRow · Feb 5, 2009

Fly said:

My expansion votes are for Plattsburgh and Coeur d' Alene.
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They doin' anything with the old Air Force base in Plattsburgh? You could always build there.

Beef03 · Feb 5, 2009

JR said:

Beef03 said:

Got to say, I've caught a few of the CFL X-era games (I believe that's what they are calling them) on ESPN Classic Canada, and it was actually very enjoyable. If they do it, they have got to come in with a TV deal and make sure they have stable ownership and a realistic market. There is definitley the talent available and in these economic times, the CFL is actually a more appealing ticket than the NFL. As long as they do not have dreams of going up against the NFL, it could work. The fact that the salary cap is being enforced certainly makes it possible that there is a workable business plan. It's fast, it's exciting, and I've always maintained it's a better game than the NFL. It worked in Baltimore, and if they pick the cities right, it could work elsewhere.
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The expansion era of the CFL was an out and out joke. I mean, other than Baltimore, it was a complete disaster. There were however, some great QB's playing: Calvillo, Dunigan, Damon Allen.

We live in different times than the Smith era. I doubt any of the governors or Cohon would consider expanding to the US until the Canadian market was satisfied. It'd also be a questionable business decision
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I don't think it will happen either, but if they came in with the right plan of attack rather than an outright money grab, it could work. If they did do it, instead of a mass expansion south, it would likely work best as a slow migration, taking time to develop those franchises. I would certainly look at going to all-new places. Forget Birmingham, what about a place like Boise or DesMoines. They don't have to be huge centres. Really you're looking for minor league cities that are willing to support these types of leagues.

JC · Feb 5, 2009

Beef03 said:

JR said:

Beef03 said:

Got to say, I've caught a few of the CFL X-era games (I believe that's what they are calling them) on ESPN Classic Canada, and it was actually very enjoyable. If they do it, they have got to come in with a TV deal and make sure they have stable ownership and a realistic market. There is definitley the talent available and in these economic times, the CFL is actually a more appealing ticket than the NFL. As long as they do not have dreams of going up against the NFL, it could work. The fact that the salary cap is being enforced certainly makes it possible that there is a workable business plan. It's fast, it's exciting, and I've always maintained it's a better game than the NFL. It worked in Baltimore, and if they pick the cities right, it could work elsewhere.
Click to expand...

The expansion era of the CFL was an out and out joke. I mean, other than Baltimore, it was a complete disaster. There were however, some great QB's playing: Calvillo, Dunigan, Damon Allen.

We live in different times than the Smith era. I doubt any of the governors or Cohon would consider expanding to the US until the Canadian market was satisfied. It'd also be a questionable business decision
Click to expand...

I don't think it will happen either, but if they came in with the right plan of attack rather than an outright money grab, it could work. If they did do it, instead of a mass expansion south, it would likely work best as a slow migration, taking time to develop those franchises. I would certainly look at going to all-new places. Forget Birmingham, what about a place like Boise or DesMoines. They don't have to be huge centres. Really you're looking for minor league cities that are willing to support these types of leagues.
Click to expand...

they don't need US expansion, they need a team in Quebec and a team in the Maritimes.

Beef03 · Feb 5, 2009

JC said:

Beef03 said:

JR said:

Beef03 said:

Got to say, I've caught a few of the CFL X-era games (I believe that's what they are calling them) on ESPN Classic Canada, and it was actually very enjoyable. If they do it, they have got to come in with a TV deal and make sure they have stable ownership and a realistic market. There is definitley the talent available and in these economic times, the CFL is actually a more appealing ticket than the NFL. As long as they do not have dreams of going up against the NFL, it could work. The fact that the salary cap is being enforced certainly makes it possible that there is a workable business plan. It's fast, it's exciting, and I've always maintained it's a better game than the NFL. It worked in Baltimore, and if they pick the cities right, it could work elsewhere.
Click to expand...

The expansion era of the CFL was an out and out joke. I mean, other than Baltimore, it was a complete disaster. There were however, some great QB's playing: Calvillo, Dunigan, Damon Allen.

We live in different times than the Smith era. I doubt any of the governors or Cohon would consider expanding to the US until the Canadian market was satisfied. It'd also be a questionable business decision
Click to expand...

I don't think it will happen either, but if they came in with the right plan of attack rather than an outright money grab, it could work. If they did do it, instead of a mass expansion south, it would likely work best as a slow migration, taking time to develop those franchises. I would certainly look at going to all-new places. Forget Birmingham, what about a place like Boise or DesMoines. They don't have to be huge centres. Really you're looking for minor league cities that are willing to support these types of leagues.
Click to expand...

they don't need US expansion, they need a team in Quebec and a team in the Maritimes.
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I agree with you, I'm just saying IF they were to go back to the U.S.

JR · Feb 5, 2009

I think if they went back to the US, they should hire Bettman to orchestrate the expansion. Because it's worked out really well under his reign.

EDIT: The CFL expansion came on the heels of the NHL's expansion into the Southern US markets. Larry Smith decided that if hockey could play down there, then he was sure as hell gonna make sure the CFL got a little of the action.

Double J · Feb 5, 2009

Why don't we trade a couple of football teams for hockey teams? For example, we could ship out the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to make room for the Predators!

JR · Feb 5, 2009

Double J said:

Why don't we trade a couple of football teams for hockey teams? For example, we could ship out the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to make room for the Predators!
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My Tiger Cats?

The Tiger Cats of Angela Mosca, Bernie Faloney and Garney Henley? THOSE Tiger Cats?

A pox on your Owen Sound house.

Double J · Feb 5, 2009

JR said:

Double J said:

Why don't we trade a couple of football teams for hockey teams? For example, we could ship out the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to make room for the Predators!
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My Tiger Cats?

The Tiger Cats of Angela Mosca, Bernie Faloney and Garney Henley? THOSE Tiger Cats?

A pox on your Owen Sound house.
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You don't think football for hockey in Hamilton is a fair trade?

How do you think they feel in Ottawa, where they are bereft of both pro football AND hockey? ;D

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