Event Date: October 19th, 1984
Event Description: USFL Owners Meeting Again
Source: United Press International
U.S. Football League owners begin a three-day meeting in Florida today that will cover topics ranging from team sales, franchise shifts, potential mergers to the location of the 1986 championship game.
The future of several teams, including the Chicago Blitz, a potential San Antonio team and the Los Angeles Express, will likely have a prominent spot on the meeting's agenda. Rumors of sales and the awarding of a second Texas team have been circulating through the league for some time.
“These meetings will be the single most important meetings we've had,” said Jacksonville Bulls owner Fred Bullard.
Owners of 15 teams -- the Los Angeles franchise is without an owner - will take part in the meeting at a resort about 25 miles from Jacksonville.
The proximity to Jacksonville may present a cheering prospect for the young league.
Despite a 4-14 record in their inaugural season this year, the Bulls led the league in attendance, drawing an average 46,730 people to the city's Gator Bowl for home games. Average attendance league-wide is 27,126.
Big city teams, where the NFL already is entrenched, offer figures that are downright dismal. The Blitz, for example, averaged 7,455 fans at their home contests last season.
Another possible topic of discussion are the Blitz, who reportedly are on the auction block. Joe Sullivan, a Honolulu restaurateur, has said he's negotiating with Blitz owner Eddie Einhorn.
The league also must decide what to do with the Los Angeles franchise and a purchase could be approved at the present meeting. Several investors reportedly are interested.
The owners are scheduled to pick a site for the USFL's 1986 championship game. Jacksonville is in the running along with Phoenix, Tampa, Houston and Detroit.
Story-(UPI Modified)
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