'84 Chronology-Buffoonery in Chicago?

Event Date: March 21st, 1984

Event Description:  Apathy in Chicago

Source: United Press International

Every time there is a cheer in the headquarters of the USFL when an impressive attendance figure is announced at a certain stadium, there is a shiver when the numbers from Chicago are read.

It is true the USFL is racking up some impressive numbers in some cities like Jacksonville or Denver and there is reason for optimism about the survival of those franchises

But these are hard times in Chicago. The franchise is not only experiencing difficult time generating interest among fans or the media, the club has been on the market for several weeks.

It is hardly a promising sign for the second-year league that the franchise in its biggest city is so shaky. Reportedly, the lucrative television contract which helped to launch the pro league is contingent on the strength of the franchise in the big media centers such as Chicago.

But attendance is lucky to be at 10,000 for the Blitz this year at spacious Soldier Field. The team is a far cry from last year's club and despite luring a few Chicago Bears to the Blitz' side, the sports fans in this town are no more interested in the Blitz or the USFL than they are in professional basketball or jai lai.

The current ownership headed by Milwaukee surgeon Dr. James Hoffman wants out. The most likely buyer is former Bear defensive player Doug Buffone. But even when and if the club is sold, the problems inherent in spring football in Chicago will remain.

Without a strong Chicago franchise, the league can survive. But ABC and ESPN may not look as favorably when it comes time to renew television contracts next year if there isn't a team in Chicago or if the franchise is floundering.

The USFL needs strong teams not only in Chicago but in New Jersey, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and other large media centers. The NBA grew into a major league when Los Angeles and New York started to flourish.

The outlook in Chicago is bleak, even under new ownership. Even fresh capital isn't likely to shake the Windy City into buying a product it does not care to buy. Unlike some of the other USFL cities, there are other sports going on in the spring. Jacksonville, New Orleans, Memphis or Denver really don't have any pro competition staring it in the face like in Chicago.

Story-(UPI)