Locomotives official... [Archive] - UFL (United Football League) Access Forums

Andy

08-08-2009, 10:50 AM

Why I'm not surprised now? So choo-choo Las Vegas!

Besides the Florida Tuskers they havn't trademarked anything else in the last two weeks. And if we go by the UFLA polls "Locomotives" was one of the most unpopular names (besides the Rockfish, the Tuskers got nearly 50/50 votes). That didn't hold them off to stick with the Locos. So should we still expect that they will change any other of the names?

Nation86

08-08-2009, 11:10 AM

Yes, you should.

Tank

08-08-2009, 11:11 AM

Too bad. Locomotives was my least favorite of a pretty sorry bunch. Should have sucked it up and brought back the Outlaws.

pahs1994

08-08-2009, 11:22 AM

awful... Of all the great names that could be used for that city...

atleast we narrowed it down on what team i will root for this season (if any at all :()

pahs1994

08-08-2009, 11:28 AM

Hey i did a quick google search and i think i found the logo!

http://www.thomasthetankshop.com/ic2-150-thomas-the-tank-logo1.jpg

v3ritas

08-08-2009, 11:38 AM

So I'm guessing that Coors light is the offical sponsor for the vegas team?

Fyatuk

08-08-2009, 11:38 AM

I really hate this name. Mostly because the full word is way too cumbersome, and the obvious shortening (Locos) is not exactly a name you should want to go by.

firewolff

08-08-2009, 12:01 PM

So I'm guessing that Coors light is the offical sponsor for the vegas team?

Ha! That's a good one. I am expecting a Union Pacific or BNSF logo on the jersey.

Sports Fanatic

08-08-2009, 12:03 PM

It could have been worse

mteeters

08-08-2009, 12:08 PM

It could have been worse

Only if it was the Las Vegas Rockfish.

SignGuyDino

08-08-2009, 12:09 PM

That's the name of...nah, wait, don't go there, Dennis....

lvrecsports

08-08-2009, 01:13 PM

What a horrible, horrible name. LOL, it makes it hard to cheer for this team.

mlssoccer

08-08-2009, 01:22 PM

I hope they keep Tuskers and Sentinels.

mlssoccer

08-08-2009, 01:23 PM

I think Rockfish will be cut.

jayroc5

08-08-2009, 01:28 PM

I think Rockfish will be cut.

I can live with sentinels and tuskers but I hope they cut rockfish. I think they can do a way better job with a big city like San Francisco.

Fyatuk

08-08-2009, 01:42 PM

I think Rockfish will be cut.

I actually think Rockfish might work for San Francisco. Don't think it will keep, though.

So we have Locomotives as an official name, and Tuskers certainly looks like it'll be a keeper since they actually filed the change from Orlando to Florida with USPTO and the schedule confirms the team will go by Florida.

Which means Sentinels and Rockfish are the ones that might get cut, and given the generally positive acceptance of Sentinels and generally negative of Rockfish, safe bet is Rockfish is gone.

UFL.A.

08-08-2009, 01:47 PM

What a horrible, horrible name. LOL, it makes it hard to cheer for this team.

I agree, I like it even less than Rockfish. Oh well, I'll have a team of my own to complain about next year.

I reiterate my theory that the league has a sponsorship and possibly ownership deal in place with the Fertittas, owners of the UFC and of Station Casinos, whose logo is a locomotive.

ORtrail

08-08-2009, 01:47 PM

Maybe a really cool logo and team colors will bring this Locomotives name up a notch or two for some of us? I was never really planning to folow the LV team anyway, so this just makes that decision very easy.

The only mystery at this point seems to be what the San Fran team will be called. Unless they shock us all by staying with the four names? :eek:

pahs1994

08-08-2009, 02:14 PM

I actually think Rockfish might work for San Francisco. Don't think it will keep, though.

So we have Locomotives as an official name, and Tuskers certainly looks like it'll be a keeper since they actually filed the change from Orlando to Florida with USPTO and the schedule confirms the team will go by Florida.

Which means Sentinels and Rockfish are the ones that might get cut, and given the generally positive acceptance of Sentinels and generally negative of Rockfish, safe bet is Rockfish is gone.

They way this league is going, I would not be surprised if they get rid of the name Sentinels since everyone seems to like it so much lol

mlssoccer

08-08-2009, 02:26 PM

San Fran Sea Lions..............Seagulls?

Clams, Lobsters, Crappies, Chopsticks, Pelosi...................Puffers..........!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tktNZpUTMoQ

famicommander

08-08-2009, 02:26 PM

It could have been worse
I'm going to have to disagree.

Las Vegas Locomotives is the worst name for any professional football franchise in history. By far.

mteeters

08-08-2009, 02:29 PM

I'm going to have to disagree.

Las Vegas Locomotives is the worst name for any professional football franchise in history. By far.

I see your Locomotives and raise you the Dayton Triangles.

mlssoccer

08-08-2009, 02:32 PM

I see your Dayton Triangles and raise you the Las Vegas Pigeons.........

famicommander

08-08-2009, 02:34 PM

I see your Locomotives and raise you the Dayton Triangles.

Nope. Locomotives is still worse.

mlssoccer

08-08-2009, 02:40 PM

Las Vegas Liposuction.......................

Nation86

08-08-2009, 03:00 PM

Honestly if anyone doesn't pull for a team or a league because of a name then they need to examine why they are following football in the first place. If my local team were called the Purple Powder Puff Flower Children I'd be in the stadium from start to finish... especially if they were winning.

Oh, and Fami, Minnesota Fighting Pike? Team Florida, etc? New Mexico Rattlesnakes? Memphis Maniax? New Orleans Night? Miami Hooters? New Jersey Red Dogs?

Those are all names of professional football teams. You think Locomotives is worse than those? Learn the history of football before making such bold proclamations.

I never liked Locomotives - it has grown on me. I still don't think it is great but it ties in with local history, avoids obvious gambling references, could lead to a strong branding package, and the owners/coaches/league decided it was the best based off of marketing research, local tie-in's, trademark searches, and fans opinions.

The funny thing to me is that we probably suggested 1,000 names on this board and a ton of them were TERRIBLE.

Anyways we'll see what the rest turn out to be. My hunch is we'll see a change or two.

Golds

08-08-2009, 03:04 PM

I wish they would have done a gambling name for LV. Although Locomotives isn't all that bad.

famicommander

08-08-2009, 03:27 PM

Honestly if anyone doesn't pull for a team or a league because of a name then they need to examine why they are following football in the first place. If my local team were called the Purple Powder Puff Flower Children I'd be in the stadium from start to finish... especially if they were winning.

Oh, and Fami, Minnesota Fighting Pike? Team Florida, etc? New Mexico Rattlesnakes? Memphis Maniax? New Orleans Night? Miami Hooters? New Jersey Red Dogs?

Those are all names of professional football teams. You think Locomotives is worse than those? Learn the history of football before making such bold proclamations.
I DO know my history. I have encyclopedic knowledge of the Arena Football League, the Canadian Football League, the XFL, the USFL, the WFL, the WLAF/NFLE, af2, the All-American Football Conference, the many incarnations of the AFL, and various current indoor leagues. Who played quarterback for the Denver Gold in 1983? Who was the MVP of the Million Dollar Game? Who was the Grey Cup Most Outstanding Canadian last season? I can tell you off the top of my head. Make your misguided assumptions elsewhere.

And yes, Locomotives is far worse than those.

pahs1994

08-08-2009, 03:30 PM

Honestly if anyone doesn't pull for a team or a league because of a name then they need to examine why they are following football in the first place. If my local team were called the Purple Powder Puff Flower Children I'd be in the stadium from start to finish... especially if they were winning.

I think you have it wrong on this one Nation. I think branding is key for the first few years. Since all the likely star players in this league will be "one and done" every year moving right up to the NFL once they make a name for themselves.

The only constant you will have is a TEAM to root for with star players coming and going every season and maybe a few middle of the road players that hang around for the long run. So my resoning is that a likeable team names makes the teams more sucessful in the long run, which makes the UFL last longer and that means a lot more football. Something we all want.

Maybe im the one thats wrong but thats how i feel about it.

Nation86

08-08-2009, 03:35 PM

I think you are partially right Pahs - but I'd suggest seeing the uniforms and branding - hearing the reasons, etc. - before making a decision. I personally like 3 of the 4 names they picked (minus Locomotives). San Francisco will have a better name than Rockfish.

The key is that they tried to think outside of the box - maybe they went too far outside of the box - but I enjoy most of the names. I also know the logos will look cool. They have a talented designer hard at work.

If New York Sentinels and Florida Tuskers are the final names for those teams - well, I love both of them. I am not a huge fan of Locomotives but I do not have to like every name - I wasn't going to pull for them anyways. =)

And Fami - if you really think Fighting Pike, Night, or Hooters are better names than Locomotives then I don't know what to tell you.

pahs1994

08-08-2009, 04:13 PM

Yea maybe im overreacting a bit until i see how it all comes togather. Sentinels is my favorite team name. Too bad the team is in NY and i won't support them!

Im just looking to support a team until Hartford comes around next year. But the names so far are killing it for me. I still like JP Lossman so I still may support LV in year one. Its just really hard to call the guy a locomotive. Im picky when it comes to this stuff.

Nation86

08-08-2009, 04:15 PM

I am as picky as anyone with team names and I like all but Locomotives - which I do not hate. I guess it's just a matter of opinion!

Andy

08-08-2009, 05:04 PM

But the names so far are killing it for me. I still like JP Lossman so I still may support LV in year one. Its just really hard to call the guy a locomotive. Im picky when it comes to this stuff.

Man, you are not alone. Feel exactly the same way you do.

Alfzilla

08-08-2009, 05:24 PM

Las Vegas Locomotives... I'm not crazy about it but hey it could have been worse and it definitely could have been better. I think all of you have valid points. But it's a wait and see thing. If the logo and color schemes of the uniforms don't impress then we'll all know whose right and wrong although this is not what this is about. However, here's a thought, if the Locomotives or any of the inaugural UFL teams don't perform well enough this debate will be moot...

Personally, I like the nicknames and logos of the UNGL so far as compared to the UFL I think their nicknames are more aggressive and better thought out. If I was in Ohio, I would want to rack up on some Marauder merchandise as opposed to being in LV and getting some Loco' gear... Georgia Slashers, Alabama Blackbirds, Ohio Marauders, Miami Scorchers or NY Sentinels, Las Vegas Locomotives, San Franciso Rockfish and Florida Tuskers? a debate for another thread perhaps?
Go Sentinels!

JFL

08-08-2009, 05:36 PM

I think there original,not your typical names like bears or flyers....I personally think the CFL has the best names and unis

SignGuyDino

08-08-2009, 06:36 PM

The XFL "New York/New Jersey Hitmen" took a hit for promoting gangsters. The "Memphis Maniax" was seen as mocking emotionally ill people. The "Mahoning Valley Hitmen" of the supposed Eastern Indoor Football League was SO offensive the Youngstown Chamber of Commerce directly send communication to its members NOT to do any business with the team, saying the name insulted the community.

Yes, bad names CAN hurt a franchise. It tends to tell people the people behind the team aren't savvy enough to run it. It's just like a bad name for any other product.

lvrecsports

08-08-2009, 06:47 PM

By the way, Nation. I called my buddy up to discuss the tickets and told him the name of the team is Locomotives, his response "wow the league really is a joke, huh?"

Names can kill credibility.

Sports Fanatic

08-08-2009, 07:04 PM

They could come up with a logo like purdues or something

lvrecsports

08-08-2009, 07:12 PM

I'm sorry, but the name makes no sense. I can't understand how they could pick it. Unless that whole theory of station casinos spoonsoring the team is true... Locomotives?!? Really?

Watch the Las Vegas Locomotives Chug down the field.

After every first down "CHOO CHOO" can blare over the sound system.

It will be interesting to see what their color scheme ends up being. My bet is on Red being a major part of it... since all of Sam Boyds seats are Red.

mlssoccer

08-08-2009, 07:25 PM

I would say red is a great guess, maybe mixed with black. Those two together make awesome colors.

The Locomotive name may be questionable, the uniforms may make everybody forget about it.

http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2007/1114/ncf_u_johnson_600.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HN3tigaU1Bk/R1NicMtH8GI/AAAAAAAABrA/TxO3ZJ3eqlU/s1600-R/georgia_auburn.jpg

Put a "LV" with a shadow of a train on the helmet and this franchise could prosper.

mlssoccer

08-08-2009, 07:30 PM

I am definitely on board with the Locomotive name.

lvrecsports

08-08-2009, 07:49 PM

If I had to choose between the two, I prefer Utah's scheme.

Nation86

08-08-2009, 09:28 PM

The Maloofs own the Palms where the announcement will be held at - isn't that correct?

And I'm sorry anyone who thinks the UNGL names are better than the UFL... well, it is opinion so I guess anyone can think whatever they wish.

And SignGuy - those names were OFFENSIVE. The UFL names will not be offensive. In fact all of the names will have a direct connection to the area, some sort of historical relevance, nothing singular, no numbers.

If anyone doesn't want to be a fan because of the names then you can feel free to tune out. Most normal people will not choose to become a fan or avoid the league because of the names. Personally I am a fan of three of the four names...

Anyways Locomotives seems official. We'll see three more - at least one surprise I'm sure.

UFL.A.

08-08-2009, 09:39 PM

Correct Nation, the venue for the press conference makes it interesting.

And I agree with lvrec, the name makes it hard to take the team and by extension the league seriously.

Nation86

08-08-2009, 09:44 PM

I think that JP Losman and Jim Fassel should mean more to football fans than a damn name but that is just me.

Rasin

08-08-2009, 09:44 PM

I think if the league survives then some of the team name might be change down the road

Nation86

08-08-2009, 09:45 PM

Rasin - the team names are meant to last forever. These are not going to change.

mlssoccer

08-08-2009, 10:01 PM

The names are completely original and have idenity.

When the uniforms come out(which I suspect will be great) the names will be complete.

I would support these names over the "murder and mayhem" of the UNGL.

I wouldnt give the UNGL one dime with those names. The UFL did a great job.

ORtrail

08-08-2009, 10:11 PM

Until I see the team uniform style, colors, and logos? I can't say any of the UFL team names is "great". Only then will we know how well the UFL did, and begin to get an idea of the league's chances to survive for more than two years...

Tank

08-08-2009, 10:46 PM

Rasin - the team names are meant to last forever. These are not going to change.

Isn't that really up to the individual owner?

Honestly if anyone doesn't pull for a team or a league because of a name then they need to examine why they are following football in the first place. If my local team were called the Purple Powder Puff Flower Children I'd be in the stadium from start to finish... especially if they were winning.

As someone who has been forced to root for the Washington Wizards, trust me when I say the name matters. Players change, uniforms change, but the name is supposed to be the constant. I'm shocked that you think we shouldn't care. And even if you were right, and we really shouldn't care, the fact remains people do, and a bad name will hurt fan support and merchandise sales. As people rooting for the UFL to succeed, we have a very vested interest in the league picking strong monikers.

Didn't the UFL say they would fly out the people who nominated each name for the opening game? It would be funny if the guy who suggested Locomotives got booed out of Sam Boyd. It really is a lousy name.

lvrecsports

08-08-2009, 11:24 PM

Isn't that really up to the individual owner?

As someone who has been forced to root for the Washington Wizards, trust me when I say the name matters. Players change, uniforms change, but the name is supposed to be the constant. I'm shocked that you think we shouldn't care. And even if you were right, and we really shouldn't care, the fact remains people do, and a bad name will hurt fan support and merchandise sales. As people rooting for the UFL to succeed, we have a very vested interest in the league picking strong monikers.

Seriously, what is more identifiable with a team than it's name? If the UFL were a more established league, and an expansion team came in and it was called the Locomotives... can you imagine that? When you're in an argument with a rival teams fans, what are they going to say "Seriously, you cheer for a team called the Locomotives? The Locos?"

The people in Vegas have NO reason to identify with a team called the Locomotives... I've seen a train like 4 times since I've moved out here, and that was 3 1/2 years ago.

I mean, obviously, if the team is around 20 years from now, the name isn't going to matter, it will have a history, and people will be used to it, but as part of a new league, the name really doesn't scream out professionalism. And like it or not, people who haven't been following this league like we have will have no reason to take the organization seriously with a name like that.

The other team names out here are Wranglers (Hockey), 51's (Baseball), Rebels (UNLV), Stars (former baseball name).

I don't know, I mean obviously I'll be at the games, so it doesn't affect me that much, but it's really a bad name.

WvMinersUfl

08-09-2009, 08:13 AM

The logos are what is gonna make the names.

Nation86

08-09-2009, 10:21 AM

Tank - I am not saying names matter not at all - just that opinions differ. I have friends who like the name even though I am personally not a huge fan. I really like Sentinels and Tuskers - and I look forward to seeing the branding for all three and the SF choice should it prove to be different from Rockfish.

I go see the Railhawks play soccer all of the time and I think that is an incredibly poor name.

Point being - withhold judgement. My frustration is more that message boards lead to a mob mentality too often when it comes to loving or hating a decision.

San Bernardino Scarabs

08-09-2009, 11:09 AM

I always liked the nickname POSSE for Vegas.

OBXastronaut

08-09-2009, 11:32 AM

I always liked the nickname POSSE for Vegas.

Sounds too much like... a private part.

AndyG

08-09-2009, 11:35 AM

I always liked the nickname POSSE for Vegas.

Never cared too much for that short-lived name;either.

TheMac

08-09-2009, 11:38 AM

Man it seems like I'm the only person who really likes Locomotives.

Gao Cheng

08-09-2009, 01:40 PM

lvrecsports

08-09-2009, 01:56 PM

Locomotives are growing on me... just picturing a fullback named Caboose... and hey, when it comes down to it the name is always an owner's decision. Like Red Sox, Packers, Blue Jackets, and Thunder aren't dumb...

The difference is the history associated with names like Red Sox and Packers. No history here. Eventually a history and tradition will be associated with the Locomotives, and at that point the name wont matter much.

JMadIV

08-09-2009, 01:57 PM

Locomotives, while not great, is far from the worst name in the history of sports, like some of you are claiming it is.

Nation86

08-09-2009, 01:59 PM

Thank you JMad - that is my main point.

http://www.lasvegasrailroadsociety.org/index.php?pr=Home_Page - for those who wonder about the history.

JMadIV

08-09-2009, 02:17 PM

imo, Tuskers is a far worse name than Locomotives.

Nation86

08-09-2009, 02:22 PM

Now we DISAGREE JMad - which is the point of team names and opinions. I am a big fan of Tuskers.

pahs1994

08-09-2009, 03:09 PM

Now we DISAGREE JMad - which is the point of team names and opinions. I am a big fan of Tuskers.

alot of cool logo's can be made for that imo. Im kinda "blahhh" on the name though, but i like the theme it has potential

viperX

08-09-2009, 03:57 PM

Tuskers isn't so bad...

mlssoccer

08-09-2009, 04:25 PM

Florida Tuskers vs New York Sentinels.....................Sounds awesome!

At Tropicana Field in St Pete..........................

MGB

08-09-2009, 05:15 PM

I liked Blackjacks. But you wanted a less "gamble-centric" name.............

So I wish I could empathize with those of you "outraged", but it just ain't there. Careful what you wish for........................

Ron

08-09-2009, 10:58 PM

Hey i did a quick google search and i think i found the logo!

http://www.thomasthetankshop.com/ic2-150-thomas-the-tank-logo1.jpg

I don't think the name is quite that terrible, but this really made me laugh out loud.

smd173

08-09-2009, 11:35 PM

To weigh in on the whole name/logo/color issue...I was a Philadelphia Soul season ticket holder for 5 years. When I first heard the name I didn't really like it. Then it sort of grew on me. Then when I saw the logo I was on board. And once the color scheme came out, I was fully on board. But they could have named them the Philadelphia Poops and worn brown unis and I still would have been there.

As long as the name isn't offensive, it may grow on you. And once you combine it with the logo and colors, then you can decide fully. And if you still don't like it, well you don't have to support them if you don't want. But I think ultimately, any true football fan in Las Vegas is going to want to support the team.

Personally, I wasn't big on Locomotives when I first heard it, but it has grown on me. I still like Tuskers the best, Sentinels second, then Locos, then Rockfish.