(S14) PT 3 - Expansion

[shadyshoelace]

My proposal for the next round of NSFL expansion is the Charleston Loggerheads. The current geography of the NSFL makes Charleston an ideal location for a new team - the Southeast is one of the hotbeds of American football culture, and adding a second team located far enough from New Orleans will help the league continue to capture this market. Despite large college football fanbases for the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Clemson Tigers, SC is not home to any major professional sports teams and the Loggerheads will have plenty of local support.

Charleston is located on the Atlantic coast and has long been defined by its proximity to the ocean. Since its history as a major port town has manifested in some unsavory ways (i.e. the largest port for the slave trade, the place where the Civil War began), it would probably be best to downplay any military or economic connotations. Instead, I propose we focus on the vibrant oceanic ecosystem. The loggerhead sea turtle is the state reptile of South Carolina and the South Carolina Aquarium is known for its dedication to loggerhead research and conservation, making it an ideal symbol for the state's first major professional team. Loggerhead sea turtles are cool, unique mascots that perfectly straddle the ever-elusive line between tough-sounding and familly-friendly that will make the team extremely marketable.