Baker's Dozen
25 Jul 07
Commisioner David Baker held his annual "State of the League" conference call on Tuesday, July 24 at 12:00 p.m. ET. In addition to covering events from the Arena Bowl weekend Baker also provided some league information and took questions.
What follows, in no particular order, is a few of the points Baker covered on the call.
2007 was a banner year for ticket sales with fewer comped tickets across the league. Attendance averaged 12,500 league wide.
Corporate sponsors have been resigned and new sponsors added. Revenue up 60% to the tune of $50,000,000 for the life of the agreement.
AFL merchandise sales tripled and in arena sales up 25% over last season. $25,000,000 over 5 years expected.
Players Collective Bargaining Agreement ratified and passed by board. Good through 2015 if approved. Officials Collective Bargaining Agreement developed and awaiting approval.
AB XXI will have first AFL "eye in sky" camera coverage and computer chip player tracking.
Folding of NFLE will have no impact on the AFL as enough players already want to play in the league.
NFL owners in the AFL have no advantage as evidenced by Benson, Blank, and Jones being out of AB contention.
As many as six additional af2 teams could see the field next season.
AFL expansion discussions begin next month.
A Baker tradition, Jim Foster will again present the AB trophy to the winner.
The increase in penalties will be looked at in the off season.
Average game time decreased in 2007 without coaches being on the field.
League will have 2008 schedule completed and available earlier than last season.
There was of course the obligatory reiteration of the league being so very "fan friendly" and how the stellar and affordable product has kept the league around for decades. Though no mention of why a good thing was messed with. Also of interest was the fact that New Orleans led the league in attendance with 16,000 people per game. Probably some football spill over from the great season the Saints had but still, way to go NOLA.
OH! And Discover will be making a "major" announcement on Friday. Maybe they're expanding their armchair quarterback promotion out of malls around Chicago?
