USFL '86: The Season That Never Was

Friday, October 26, 2018

'84 Chronology-Cool Reception

Event Date: March 29th, 1984

Event Description: Syracuse Pros?

Source: United Press International

Syracuse University has given a cool reception to a proposal by six New York state businessmen to base a USFL franchise in its 50,000-seat Carrier Dome.

“We wouldn't be interested for a number of reasons,” said Syracuse University Vice Chancellor Clifford Winters. 

“It would overlap with basketball, lacrosse and other activities. Secondly, it would create tax problems for us. And thirdly, it wouldn't be healthy for our intercollegiate football program.”

Long Island construction and hotel magnate Ken Feldman and five other investors have paid a $50,000 deposit to the United States Football League with hopes Syracuse will be awarded an expansion team in 1985.

Feldman admitted the plans are contingent upon the availability of the Carrier Dome, but he said he is confident the university will make the arena available if enough money is offered.

Carrier Dome Managing Director Thomas Benzel said Feldman has not contacted him about using the facility.

The USFL, currently in its second season, has 16 franchises, but wants to expand to 18 teams next season, said a league spokesman, adding that expansion will be discussed at a July meeting of league owners in Tampa.

If Syracuse received a USFL franchise, it would be the smallest market to have a team. The 59th largest Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area in the nation, Syracuse has a population of 170,105, with 642,971 in the metropolitan area, according to the 1980 census.

Story-(UPI)

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