'96 Chronology-Public Support

Event Date: February 18th, 1996

Event Description: Dixon Backs New Grid League

Source: Gulf Coast Times

NEW ORLEANS -- A community-owned football team run by local fans will join the All American Football League said New Orleans based antique collector David Dixon. 

Dixon was the founder of the now defunct U.S. Football League as well as helping to guide the building of the Superdome. He has also been working to form a fan owned football league since the demise of the USFL in the late 1980’s.

Dixon said he has secured the rights to the Shreveport Pirates franchise from their previous owners, and that the new team will keep the name, colors and logo albeit with some modifications. 

“This will be revolutionary in sports. It will be the first truly community-owned football team in the United States.” Public ownership of the club would give local residents a greater voice in controlling the team according to Dixon.

Dixon said he soon will begin selling shares in the Pirates franchise and the club could will join the league this year if the response from fans is supportive.

Dixon rejected the notion that New Orleans might not support two football teams. The USFL’s Breakers had tremendous fan support until the league decided to move to a fall season.

more to come......