I have heard two different things with regard to the players housing. Which is true? Will the Florida players be at Dodgertown or at that fancy hotel in Orlando?

Commissioner Huyghue:

For the "Premiere" season, the Florida and New York teams will be training in Orlando near the Citrus Bowl and will be housed at Rosen Shingle Creek Resort.

Commish, good luck and really looking forward to the league's debut. Was the scheduling of the two NY/FLA games (both against the FLA/LSU game and the NFLN opener) a possible placeholder for if the league had signed Michael Vick?

Commissioner Huyghue:

The potential of Michael Vick playing in our League was taken into consideration when we created our schedule; however, there were many other factors involved.   This first season is going to be an experimental one to see where we can find our niche.   We are trying to gage the strength of our broadcasts against other formidable football events.  

when will the ufl footballs be for sale?

Commissioner Huyghue:

We are still finalizing the design of our official game ball.  Once complete you will be able to purchase the ball at www.getufl.com.  

Where are the practice facilities in Florida and will practice be open to the public

Commissioner Huyghue:

The Florida Tuskers and New York Sentinels will train and practice in Orlando around the Citrus Bowl.  Some practices during training camp will be open to the public so check our website for a complete schedule beginning in September.

Commish: Do you imagine there will be much interaction between the teams at the practice facility? will they have separate fields, locker rooms, weight rooms, meeting rooms, etc.?

Commissioner Huyghue:

While each team will have separate facilities in Orlando and Casa Grande, the objective is for the teams to work and train together.

Is New Era a potential option for further production of hats? They are the leader in quality and fashion for hats and the NFL has lost out their business with their Reebok deal. Is there a chance of this?

Commissioner Huyghue:

We are in negotiations with several hat manufacturers.  I encourage you to join our chat next week with Frank Vuono as he will be able to answer all questions regarding League apparel

Will the UFL expand to Europe? If so will they play a Premiere season there to test the market?

Commissioner Huyghue:

We will not be playing a game in Europe this year but they are part of the expansion process.  We will evaluate those cities as we do with the cities in the U.S.

Will the Sentinels stay in New York State or go to New jersey?

Commissioner Huyghue:

Our intent is to have as many games as we can in New York.

Will there be local TV options for viewing the games or are the Versus and HDNet games exclusive?

Commissioner Huyghue:

All of our games can be seen exclusively on VERSUS and HDNet as well as streamed on our website.

Will you announce the full coaching staffs for all four UFL teams?

Commissioner Huyghue:

All of the coaching staffs have been announced either via press release or through bios being posted on our website.

Why are you playing a game in the Tampa area Oct 30th on the same night as the Usf Bulls home game?

Commissioner Huyghue:

October 30th was the only date that we had available at the venue due to MLB post-schedule.  There are going to be many conflicts with other sporting events, especially college football and when possible, we will try to avoid head-to-head competition.  By playing in the fall, we will be playing against the NFL, college and high school football but our research shows us that is when most fans want to watch football.

I was listing to Ted Cotrell the Ny Coach in your video clip. I think he said 20 players are signed and 40 have already been allocated. And only a few would be NFL cuts. Are you going to have a good number of nfl cuts or are you going with nfl street free agents in year 1?

Commissioner Huyghue:

Our rosters will be comprised of both players cut from the NFL and NFL street free agents.  We will be announcing more player signings for each of the teams on a continuous basis so keep checking back to the website for the latest rosters.

Will there be a salary cap in 2009? 2010?

Commissioner Huyghue:

The League will have a salary cap for both players and coaches beginning in our "Premiere" season.

How much of a sure thing are the two baseball stadiums? The Mets won't make the playoffs so Citi will surely be open, but the Giants may so AT&T could be an issue. Would you re-schedule the games or find a new location? That being said, is Citi a sure thing?

Commissioner Huyghue:

If the San Francisco Giants make the playoffs we will play the game on October 17th at San Jose State.  If the Mets make the World Series and we have a conflict at Citi Field we will move the game to Hofstra University.  

When can we expect team logo gear to be on sale?

Commissioner Huyghue:

The UFL store launched this past Monday and we have released new merchandise each day as the names of the teams have been announced.  We are currently creating logos for each team and they should be available in mid-September.  At that time, we will begin selling merchandise bearing the team's logo.

Dear Commissioner, I am thrilled about the New York Sentinels! As a former NFL cheerleader, I was hoping you could shed light on the possibility of incorporating cheerleaders in the UFL! Do you anticipate having cheerleaders in the premiere (or any) season? Thanks so much! Go Sentinels!! :)

Commissioner Huyghue:

We do plan on having cheerleaders for our "Premiere" Season.  Please continue to check our website for future announcements and information.

Once a players is signed will they begin getting paid during training camp or when the season starts

Commissioner Huyghue:

Players earn a per diem during training camp and game checks during the regular season.

Have early ticket and merchandise sales drawn expected numbers?

Commissioner Huyghue:

Yes, we are very pleased with the initial results of our ticket sales and merchandise sales.  Our UFL hats sold out on Friday and we have already experienced a great deal of success with our group sales for several of our games.  

In what cities does the UFL anticipate to have expansion franchises for season 2? When should we expect to hear official announcements regarding ownership groups for those expansion franchises?

Commissioner Huyghue:

We have a short list of cities that we would like to expand into including Hartford and Los Angeles.  We will announce those expansion cities at our Championship Game on November 27th.

Will Charles Rogers be a player in the UFL

Commissioner Huyghue:

We have begun making player announcements and will continue with more in Florida and California this week.  Right now, Charles Rogers is not on that list.

What level of attendance do you expect for this first season?

Commissioner Huyghue:

We have reasonable expectations for attendance and have chosen venues based on those expectations.  We would be very pleased with 20,000-25,000 fans per game.

When are the tickets going on sale for the Citi Field game.

Commissioner Huyghue:

Since the agreement with Citi Field just happened, we are creating the manifest which is needed to sell tickets.  This process takes approximately seven to ten days, so we are anticipating tickets to go on-sale in about two weeks.

are kickers going to be able to try out on August 22nd

Commissioner Huyghue:

There are open tryouts on August 22nd at the Citrus Bowl beginning at 7:00 AM.  All positions are welcome.

will the east comes team be at vero beach or orlando for camp?

Commissioner Huyghue:

Joey, the New York Sentinels and the Florida Tuskers will be training in Orlando while the California Redwoods and Las Vegas Locomotives will be training in Casa Grande, Ariz.

Commissioner, will there be on-field advertising for sponsors?

Commissioner Huyghue:

Yes, there will be on-field advertising opportunities for League sponsors.  We plan on introducing ANC Sports’ on-field LED technology during our VERSUS telecasts.

Will there be any show airing on Verses like inside the UFL or in depth looks into the players. I think one thing the XFL had was players that were just like us. They had the guy washing dishes, the guy in sales, and the beer vender. I would love to see where some of these guys came from. This league is for us the fans so let us in. Sometimes it's not just about the game. During the offseason maybe skills challenges would get people to watch...Have you guys thought about that?

Commissioner Huyghue:

One of the goals of the UFL is to bring the fans closer to the action both in-stadium and to the TV viewer.  On both our VERSUS and HDNet broadcasts, we will provide an in-depth look at the players on our roster.  HDNet will also be doing a behind-the-scenes show focusing on our training camps.

Will there be any show airing on Verses like inside the UFL or in depth looks into the players. I think one thing the XFL had was players that were just like us. They had the guy washing dishes, the guy in sales, and the beer vender. I would love to see where some of these guys came from. This league is for us the fans so let us in. Sometimes it's not just about the game. During the offseason maybe skills challenges would get people to watch...Have you guys thought about that?

Commissioner Huyghue:

One of the goals of the UFL is to bring the fans closer to the action, both in-stadium and to the TV viewer.  On Both our VERSUS and HDNet broadcasts, we will provide an in-depth look at the players on our roster.  HDNet will also be doing a behind-the-scenes show focusing on our training camps.

So is it safe to say, that you'll be more interested in "big name" players to get this league going?

Commissioner Huyghue:

The UFL is a league of opportunity for players who may not have had the chance to hone their skills in the NFL and were ultimately let go.  We will be looking for the best talent to make our league competitive and entertaining.  If some of those players happen to be “big name” players, that is a plus, but we are looking at playing ability rather than marketability.

hi there and thanks for bringing more football to the fans!! my question is wiil your league be more couch potato (t.v. viewer) friendly next season? as in regular t.v. channels, ? like the n.f.l.!!

Commissioner Huyghue:

The UFL is partnering with two emerging channels that are looking to grow with the League.  In our “Premiere” season, nearly 90 million viewers will have the opportunity to watch UFL games live in high-definition. 

Are there going to be any more tryouts besides the one in Florida on August 22 ?

Commissioner Huyghue:

On Saturday, August 22nd, the Florida Tuskers will be holding an open tryout for their team.  There will also be an invitation-only workout held later that day in Orlando.  Continue to check our website for any additional information on workouts.

Have you guys ruled out the possibility of expansion into NFL cities even if a group interrested in bringing a team to Chicago or Philadelphia or Detroit submits an offer you can't refuse?

Commissioner Huyghue:

We have a short list of cities that we would like to expand into including Hartford and Los Angeles.  We are keeping an open mind to cities are interested in hosting a professional team financially and with community support.

When will you announce all the official rosters?

Commissioner Huyghue:

Tomorrow, we will be announcing approximately 20 players from the Florida Tuskers and then another 20 players from the California Redwoods. Previously, we announced 19 players from the NY Sentinels and 20 players from the Las Vegas Locomotives.  As more player contracts become finalized, we will continue to announce names.  Our final rosters will be available at the conclusion of training camp.

do you think that you could try to bring a football team to allen, tx?

Commissioner Huyghue:

Adam, there are many factors that go into selection of expansion cities and fan support is paramount.  We appreciate your interest and can tell you that we are exploring all potential cities as we look to expand.

why Tampa Bay Rays invest in United Football League franchise?

Commissioner Huyghue:

The Tampa Bay Rays were interested in expanding their team brand and fan base to different regions of Florida.   The relationship also provides us with the opportunity to tap into an organization that is experienced in building a successful franchise.

Hello Commissioner, My name is Kirk, and I am a big fan of the UFL. I have recently tried to contact the New York Sentinels to apply for a tryout, but I believe I did not get through to them. I wanted to ask you what is the best way for me to tryout for the New York Sentinels and if it is too late? Please email me when you get the chance.

Commissioner Huyghue:

Kirk, thanks for your interest in the UFL.  I recommend your contacting our Player Personnel department in the Jacksonville office at 904.598.1031.

Will the UFL be on national TV, as a deal was struck with HDNet, will the games be nation wide or localy only?

Commissioner Huyghue:

All 13 of the UFL games will be broadcast live in high definition on either VERSUS or HDNet allowing nearly 90 million viewers to watch UFL games.

Players for the UFL are coming from a large range of places but are you mostly going after college players, and how are you getting players, and where are you getting them?

Commissioner Huyghue:

There are so many players interested in playing professional football that we have not had to look far and wide to find the talent.  For the “Premiere” season, the players will be selected primarily from the final cuts of NFL rosters, back-up veterans and practice squad players.
 

Michael, What does a franchise cost and how many teams still need owners? Also, I have a former Super Bowl Champion from St. Louis' "Greatest Show on Turf"...who still has a few years left to play and he wants to join the league and play for Las Vegas. I will be representing him as well, but do I need any official certification to represent him? Finally, what's the best way to contact the UFL?

Commissioner Huyghue:

We currently have owners for all four of our franchises but are always looking for additional investors.  If you have a player who is interested in playing for one of the UFL teams, please contact our Jacksonville office at 904.598.1031.

Any thoughts of alternate helmets, like having home and away jerseys? The only team I see that has those are the University of Oregon Ducks.

Commissioner Huyghue:

We just presented our “Premiere” season uniforms and are beginning working on uniforms for year two.  I would recommend joining our COO Frank Vuono next Sunday night to discuss our plans for next year.

Will you pursue Dante Stallworth? He seems very remorseful about what transpired. Will he have to be out of football for 1 year? Can we acquire him? Just asking... and by the way, thank you for your pursuing Mr. Vick. God Bless America! He deserves another chance. We just hoped that he would have taken it from us. But, we ROCK ON! GO! UFL! What about Plexico Burress if ....GO! UFL! These young men deserve another chance. Albeit, ONE STRIKE CHANCE! but ANOTHER CHANCE ALL THE SAME!

Commissioner Huyghue:

While the UFL will be a league of opportunity for players, it is also not going to be a haven for renegade players.   We believe in second-chances as we mentioned in discussions with Michael Vick; however, we will evaluate each player individually and make a determination. 

Let me start by saying how excited I am for the upcoming UFL season! However, I have one concern: the uniforms of the four franchises. Why are they all of the same template and use the colors of the UFL? Couldn't this have been a chance to set the UFL apart from other leagues that use outlandish styles (like the Arena League and WFL)? Could the franchises change uniforms after this season?

Commissioner Huyghue:

The “Premiere” season uniforms were well -conceived and custom designed and will be used for the first season only.  The inspiration for the uniforms comes from the UFL logo and its Foundation colors.  While we could have picked random colors, we chose to create a unified branded system which ultimately allowed for manufacturing efficiencies while allowing each team to be unique. The colors also tie in nicely with the communities.  For example, the Locomotives’ uniforms are silver, blue and white.  Nevada is known as the silver state so there was logic behind all of our choices.    

Commissioner, when will the player signings take place for those players who get cut by NFL teams and the second question is Do you know who will call the UFL games on Versus and HDNet.

Commissioner Huyghue:

We announced our first set of players last week for our New York and Las Vegas franchises and will be announcing Florida and California tomorrow and Tuesday, respectively.  As players get cut from NFL rosters, our coaches are evaluating the talent and making offers to those they are interested in. We will continue to announce players until training camp in mid-September.  At the conclusion of training camp, we will cut our rosters to 50 players per team.  To answer your second question, we will be announcing the commentators for our TV broadcasts in the next few weeks.

When will the logos be released? and will they be unique to each team? Also will each team retain their colors in year 2?

Commissioner Huyghue:

Logos are currently being created for each of our franchises and should be ready in mid-September.  Each logo will reflect the distinct personality of that team. The uniforms unveiled this past week are for our “Premiere” season only.  The owners of each team can then decide if they want to change team colors as we head into year two.  I encourage you to join our COO Frank Vuono next Sunday night as he participates in an online chat and can give more detail on how we developed the uniforms and decided on team names.

Commissioner, In the August 14 edition of the New York Post, Lenn Robins wrote: "Ultimately, the UFL hopes to find a sustainable niche as an NFL feeder system." Is that accurate?

Commissioner Huyghue:

Mike, the goal of the UFL is to provide opportunities to players who may not otherwise play professional football.  If players can come to our League, gain some experience and then transition to the NFL, we will be quite happy.

When are the specialist work outs?

Commissioner Huyghue:

Some specialists have been invited to the invitation-only workout being held on August 22nd at the Citrus Bowl.