League bosses come to Vegas; is the ArenaBowl far behind?

Adam Candee

Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2004 | 9:14 a.m.

Adam Candee

Both locally and nationally, Las Vegas will be the center of the action in the Arena Football League today.

While the Gladiators conduct their third and final interview for a new head coach, the AFL is holding its board of directors meeting today at the MGM Grand.

Among the topics being discussed at the AFL meeting is the possibility of creating a neutral-site ArenaBowl for the first time in the league's 19-year history. If the owners decide to do that, Las Vegas is at the top of the list of candidates to host what league officials envision as a weeklong event leading up to the championship game.

Adding expansion franchises and adjusting the playoff format are other major topics to be covered at the meeting. The league is looking at adding franchises in Utah, Cleveland, Boston, Miami and other cities, although no more than a couple are expected for 2005. The future of struggling franchises in Detroit, Indiana and Carolina could also be up for review.

Gladiators owner Jim Ferraro and general manager Dan Dolby interviewed Ron James, the Gladiators' assistant head coach, and Mike Wilpolt, the Indiana interim head coach, Monday night. New Orleans defensive coordinator Kevin Porter was to interview with Ferraro and Dolby this morning. The team hopes to make its final decision within a couple of days.

Las Vegas fired head coach Frank Haege on July 28 after three seasons with the team.