Post by gocavs1 on Apr 3, 2008 8:38:24 GMT -5
UIF Executive Director Paul Aaron said that the increased demands of the former owner's real estate business interests made it difficult for him to give the Colorado Ice the attention the team deserved.
"The Ft. Collins market is a great sports market and a great football market," Aaron said. "The league felt that the fans and the community's best interests were not being served under the circumstances and decided to take action before the 2008 home schedule began".
Last year, as an expansion team, the Ice went 6-10, making the playoffs before falling to the Sioux Falls Storm. The team had 28,192 fans pass through the Budweiser Events Center at the Ranch, averaging 3,524 fans during a game. The team does four years remaining on their arena lease.
Highlights of the team's first season included winning their first game over their geographic rival, the Billings Outlaws, 26-25; in the same game, running back Eugene Reed rushed for 137 yards in the game, the mark was a UIF-season high; the team rushed for seven touchdowns in their April 13th game against Sioux City, Deric Yaussi hitting a UIF-record 60-yard field goal in the team's last regular season game against Omaha and having six UIF All-Stars play in the inaugural Casey's All-Star Classic - LB Steve Frye, DB Travis Garcia, OL Gary Moore, LB Ryan Palmer, RB Eugene Reed and Yaussi.
Based on the number of inquiries that have come into the UIF office within the past week, Aaron expects to complete the "Due Diligence" period shortly and have new local ownership in place before long.
"I have spoken with five interested local businessmen on the telephone and am meeting with each of them to discuss the information that we have," Aaron said. "I expect a speedy conclusion to our discussions and fully intend to have a qualified buyer in place prior to the conclusion of this playing season."
The Ice continue their 2008 season this Saturday evening on the road at the Sioux City Bandits. Game time at the Tyson Events Center is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The Ice's first home game will be a week from Friday against Billings at 7:05 p.m.
Interesting don't ya think
"The Ft. Collins market is a great sports market and a great football market," Aaron said. "The league felt that the fans and the community's best interests were not being served under the circumstances and decided to take action before the 2008 home schedule began".
Last year, as an expansion team, the Ice went 6-10, making the playoffs before falling to the Sioux Falls Storm. The team had 28,192 fans pass through the Budweiser Events Center at the Ranch, averaging 3,524 fans during a game. The team does four years remaining on their arena lease.
Highlights of the team's first season included winning their first game over their geographic rival, the Billings Outlaws, 26-25; in the same game, running back Eugene Reed rushed for 137 yards in the game, the mark was a UIF-season high; the team rushed for seven touchdowns in their April 13th game against Sioux City, Deric Yaussi hitting a UIF-record 60-yard field goal in the team's last regular season game against Omaha and having six UIF All-Stars play in the inaugural Casey's All-Star Classic - LB Steve Frye, DB Travis Garcia, OL Gary Moore, LB Ryan Palmer, RB Eugene Reed and Yaussi.
Based on the number of inquiries that have come into the UIF office within the past week, Aaron expects to complete the "Due Diligence" period shortly and have new local ownership in place before long.
"I have spoken with five interested local businessmen on the telephone and am meeting with each of them to discuss the information that we have," Aaron said. "I expect a speedy conclusion to our discussions and fully intend to have a qualified buyer in place prior to the conclusion of this playing season."
The Ice continue their 2008 season this Saturday evening on the road at the Sioux City Bandits. Game time at the Tyson Events Center is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The Ice's first home game will be a week from Friday against Billings at 7:05 p.m.
Interesting don't ya think
