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Post by Bannock on Feb 13, 2017 18:46:42 GMT -8
2/13/17 --
On the Eve of the 2017 Indoor Football League season, I had the opportunity today to speak with Commissioner Mike Allshouse.
The Commissioner and I spoke on several topics, including teams and players' accessibility to fans, year-round efforts of expansion, adding larger markets this season in Salt Lake City and Arizona, broadcasting games on YouTube, and overtime structure.
Below is the full recorded interview.
https%3A//soundcloud.com/user-462670343/sctoc-interview-with-commissioner-allshouse
Allshouse is entering his fourth season as commissioner of the IFL, and his seventh with the league. Prior to his current position he held the posts of Director of Communication, Director of Football Operations, and Assistant Commissioner.
The Commissioner earned a BBA in Business Management and a BS in Sports Management from James Madison University, and played for the Dukes' football team during his time there. He also earned a Masters Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
The IFL opens its ninth season on Feb. 16 as the expansion Salt Lake Screaming Eagles host the Nebraska Danger at 6 p.m. (PT).
- Bannock(Photo courtesy of the Indoor Football League)To comment on this thread and others on this forum, please login or register.
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Post by David on Feb 13, 2017 19:47:29 GMT -8
Mr. Allshouse comes across as a more straightforward individual than the AFL's current commissioner. Aside from not wanting to discuss potential expansion markets, he didn't sound like he was dodging around questions or putting up smoke and mirrors. He was pretty upfront on just about everything that was asked. I also liked hearing his perspective on appealing to fans on a global level, not to mention his informative answers regarding possible expansion up into Canada. Obviously not every market would be the ideal fit, but it's interesting to know they believe there'd be some markets that would be of interest up there. I think it'd be bold; besides Toronto in the AFL and the current team in Mexico in the National Arena League, that's something that really hasn't been done much. I know the furthest the IFL's tried in terms of geography were the two Alaska teams. Excellent job, Bannock. Well done.
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Post by Nevadanut on Feb 13, 2017 19:55:30 GMT -8
Can I just say that I love the Commissioner's positiveness. I think it flows down to the teams and players and fans. I got goosebumps listening to this. It's very genuine. You can tell he cares about the things that are important, like the fans and interactions with the community. You know, they could have kept making some money on the stream they had, but instead, they decided to give fans more access and easier access. That is why I love this league.
I know David helped with some of the questions. I love how Bannock can present and probe without making someone uncomfortable and, at the same time, draw out specific answers. Thanks guys. You both rock (and remember, that's coming from a musician!)!
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Post by Bannock on Feb 13, 2017 20:12:56 GMT -8
Mr. Allshouse comes across as a more straightforward individual than the AFL's current commissioner. Aside from not wanting to discuss potential expansion markets, he didn't sound like he was dodging around questions or putting up smoke and mirrors. He was pretty upfront on just about everything that was asked. I also liked hearing his perspective on appealing to fans on a global level, not to mention his informative answers regarding possible expansion up into Canada. Obviously not every market would be the ideal fit, but it's interesting to know they believe there'd be some markets that would be of interest up there. I think it'd be bold; besides Toronto in the AFL and the current team in Mexico in the National Arena League, that's something that really hasn't been done much. I know the furthest the IFL's tried in terms of geography were the two Alaska teams. Excellent job, Bannock . Well done. He was very forthcoming. Obviously he can't talk about some specifics of expansion, and that's all right. I appreciated the candidness even with the answer regarding Canada expansion. It could be possible, but logistically there could be several hurdles.
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Post by Bannock on Feb 13, 2017 20:21:20 GMT -8
Can I just say that I love the Commissioner's positiveness. I think it flows down to the teams and players and fans. I got goosebumps listening to this. It's very genuine. You can tell he cares about the things that are important, like the fans and interactions with the community. You know, they could have kept making some money on the stream they had, but instead, they decided to give fans more access and easier access. That is why I love this league. I know David helped with some of the questions. I love how Bannock can present and probe without making someone uncomfortable and, at the same time, draw out specific answers. Thanks guys. You both rock (and remember, that's coming from a musician!)! Thanks, Nevadanut. Much appreciated. The YouTube streaming has the potential to huge as far as expanding the IFL's fan base. Everyone online can get YouTube. I also agree in the long run gaining more fans can be much more advantageous than getting the revenue from the previous streaming service. I see it like ratings on television shows. The more audience you have, the more demand there will be for your sponsorships. In the end, that will be where the IFL will see its revenue increase.
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Post by Kasey on Feb 13, 2017 20:38:52 GMT -8
very impressed with this interview. i particularly like the philanthropy question and Mr. Allshouse's response about it being a priority. this is a league commissioner who understands what's important. to me, that is the IFL's calling card. the action on the field is extremely entertaining. even more than that, when fans can see the players, coaches and dance team members out in the community, it can mean everything to these fans. thanks for asking that.
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Post by DiamondThief on Feb 13, 2017 21:22:56 GMT -8
Great interview, Bannock! You guys covered so many topics and the commissioner was great. This is an excellent opportunity to be able to bring the IFL to our readers.
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Post by spiderfan on Feb 15, 2017 21:21:27 GMT -8
Good stuff Bannock. I like Allshouse. He seems to be a nice guy and interested in what is best for the league, business model and all. I think the IFL is in a much better place than the AFL because of leadership like this.
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