I first became interested in RL after hearing an interview with Spinner on a local afternoon AM sports talk radio program. ("The Rumble" on ESPN 1460...
www.rumble1460.com)
It was during the week leading up to the first home game against the Bulls.
Spinner made it sound exciting, tough, and affordable.
So, after checking out Jaxaxe.com and some other RL stuff online I decided to give RL a go.
The only disappointment at the first game was that the Axemen lost. Otherwise it was a great way to spend a summer afternoon. Affordable beer and eats, great weather, cool merchandise, and most importanly... hard-nosed competition.
I could tell the Axemen were young team and had the normal problems associated with such. But I felt that the youth and passion would prove to be a big asset as the team matured. I think that has proven true.
Jacksonville has alot going for it as far a cultivating a young RL team.
- The season is timed perfectly in the sports "doldrums". RL is a perfect football fix for hard-core fans.
- The UNF stadium is an under-utilized facilty that is perfect for the type of crowds AMNRL can expect. (with concessions improvements hopefully)
- There is a high level and large number of high school and college American football talent from which to build upon. (i.e. The Popes)
(I think you would find the South in general a great opportunity for RL expansion for the above reason.)
- Dont forget affordability.
As much as I love the Jaguars(NFL)...it gets rough sometimes dropping hundreds of dollars at games. Luckily they are on TV all the time nowadays.
As far as whether I'm a player or a fan...right now just a fan. I've got a trick knee (youth football injury) and a potbelly ....but watching the matches I sometimes think I could take on some fellow novices. You never lose the taste for contact.( maybe you do, but i havent yet)
For now I'll leave it to Spinner and the boys to lay on the big hits.
