United Football League To Begin Play in October
The United Football League has arrived and will begin play October 8, 2009. The league was founded by Bill Hambrecht of WR Hambrecht + Co, Tim Armstrong, VP of Advertising for Google and Paul Pelosi. The Commisioner of the UFL will be Michael Huyghue, who brings a wealth of expeience in the NFL ranks. He has been part of the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and has served on many of the NFL Commisioner’s prominent committees.
Here is some information from their website:
UFL Mission Statement:
“To fulfill the unmet needs of football fans in major markets currently underserved by professional football by providing a high quality traditional football league comprised of world class professional football players. The UFL will serve the communities with pride, dedication and passion, and uphold a leadership role in the development of football worldwide. The UFL will provide every fan with an affordable, accessible, exciting and entertaining game experience.”
When will UFL games be played?
The UFL will play in the fall, during traditional football season, to establish the league as a viable entity and will offer real, 11-on-11, outdoor professional football in NFL quality stadiums/venues. The UFL will play its regular season games on Thursday and Friday evenings in the fall, with the first regular season game kicking off in October and the Championship Game tentatively scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend.
Where will the UFL have teams?
In its “Premiere” season, the UFL will have four teams playing in seven cities. The four teams selected for 2009 are Las Vegas/Los Angeles, New York/Hartford, Orlando and San Francisco/Sacramento.
Who will play and coach in the UFL?
The UFL will field teams comprised of the best players in the world and tomorrow’s rising stars. There are thousands of talented world class players who are looking to play professional football at a high level. The UFL will provide that opportunity. UFL team and League personnel will be seasoned and experienced. Coaches and general managers will consist of current and former NFL coaches, general managers, coordinators & assistant coaches and possibly some NCAA Division I-A coaches.
Why will the UFL work?
The UFL’s approach, rules and style of play will look and feel substantially similar to the NFL and will cater to those markets currently underserved by professional football. The UFL will assemble the best talent on the field, on the sidelines and in the league and team offices to ensure a credible, high-quality product that is accessible and affordable for fans.
I have heard that they will have a draft in August after all NFL teams have determined their rosters and that Michael Vick could be a possible marquee player to play in the league during their first year.
