By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
Vince McMahon’s XFL announced that the following cities will host teams and also announced the stadiums the teams will play in.
-New York/New Jersey at MetLife Stadium (capacity 82,500)
-Arlington, Texas at Globe Life Park (52,419)
-Houston, Texas at TDECU Stadium (40,000)
-Los Angeles, California at StubHub Center (27,000)
-St. Louis, Missouri at Dome at America’s Center (66,965)
-Seattle, Washington at CenturyLink Field (72,000)
-Tampa, Florida at Raymond James Stadium (65,890)
-Washington D.C. at Audi Field (20,000)
Powell’s POV: A press conference was broadcast on the XFL social media pages. It opened with the Governor of New Jersey, who introduced Vince McMahon. Vince noted that representatives from the eight team cities were in attendance. Vince said a lot has changed since the XFL launched 20 years ago, and he said the XFL was ahead of its time. Vince spoke of the use of digital and social media.
Vince introduced XFL commissioner Oliver Luck, who said the XFL wants to complement fall football and reimagine the game. Luck spoke about former players, coaches, and medical professionals about modifying the game so that it’s familiar yet unique. He stressed a shorter play clock and a modified officiating protocol. He wants a crisp game that takes less than three hours. Luck said they want more in-game rhythm and flow, and he also spoke about safety precautions. He also said they’ve taken input from fans and some of their best ideas have come from them. Luck also emphasized that they want to keep ticket prices low for families. He said there will be an app that will serve as the central hub for the league. Luck also implied that legalized gambling will work in their favor.
The host cities were actually leaked by the XFL last week prior to the official announcement today. The XFL will begin play in 2020. A rival startup promotion called the Alliance of American Football will begin play in 2019.
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AAF > XFL Deuce
Chicago doesn’t get a team? The XFL will be way worse this time around.
Tampa is literally having to give away tickets to the Bucs this season. There is no way that franchise can succeed there. The crowd there will look like Lavar Ball’s basketball league.
The Lightning are at 100% capacity and 5th in the NHL in overall attendance. If your team doesn’t suck, and isn’t in a monstrous dome in St. Pete, they can do extremely well in Tampa. If your team is a loser, why would anyone go when they can go outside in the great Tampa weather?
Did you watch the original XFL? Do you really think they are going to be better than the Buccaneers?