Branding a new Florida team

[Dave Gray]

Let's say that the US adopted another sport and it became popular....so...lacrosse or whatever.  And there was going to be a South Florida based team.

What would you think some good names would be that take advantage of the area?

I think that there are 2 main things about this area that are largely untouched in the pro market.  You have the everglades (which I guess the Gators use) and the whole treasure coast, Spanish Armada history with treasure and Ponde De Leon and all that.

[Landshark]

Miami Marauders or Florida Thunderbolts

[Brian Fein]

The Florida Everblades are a Fort Myers-based ECHL hockey team.

http://floridaeverblades.com/

[CF DolFan]

Miami-Ft. Lauderdale is getting ready to have an MLS team along with Orlando. You can start with that.

[Phishfan]

^^^ I don't know CF. We missed the boat I believe so "getting ready" may just be an overstatement. NYC was awarded the expansion team (a second team in the city what a great expansion) and they aren't starting play until 2015 I don't believe. I think this expansion idea was brought about in something like 2011 so that was four years in time. The league has mentioned they aren't focused on any more expansion at this time but do plan to grow further. With an existing team in operation here (we are just looking to move up into the big time) we could likely make the jump in less than four years but when are they going to want to expand again? Also, MLS is very adamant that teams need to have an appropriately sized soccer specific stadium. South Florida is already trying to find funding for improvements for the Dolphins. I really don't see them pushing for a new soccer stadium as well.

[Sunstroke]

I think that there are 2 main things about this area that are largely untouched in the pro market.  You have the everglades (which I guess the Gators use) and the whole treasure coast, Spanish Armada history with treasure and Ponde De Leon and all that.

You missed one undeniably overwhelming aspect of the South Florida market... so ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for:


The Miami New Yorkers!



[/end nauseating regional sarcasm]

[CF DolFan]

^^^ I don't know CF. We missed the boat I believe so "getting ready" may just be an overstatement. NYC was awarded the expansion team (a second team in the city what a great expansion) and they aren't starting play until 2015 I don't believe. I think this expansion idea was brought about in something like 2011 so that was four years in time. The league has mentioned they aren't focused on any more expansion at this time but do plan to grow further. With an existing team in operation here (we are just looking to move up into the big time) we could likely make the jump in less than four years but when are they going to want to expand again? Also, MLS is very adamant that teams need to have an appropriately sized soccer specific stadium. South Florida is already trying to find funding for improvements for the Dolphins. I really don't see them pushing for a new soccer stadium as well.

Don't believe everything you read. I'm very involved with Orlando City. Orlando is pretty much a done deal unless something bad happens.  MLS is working on their "rival" now and 2015 is still the target date.
Mayor Jacobs just got the word and is fast tracking money for the stadium when she previously didn't support it.

[Phishfan]

That is good news. They have been saying Orlando is a when, not if scenario. I'm just skeptical of when MLS is expecting to add new teams again. It is goo to think they are ambitous but expanding too quickly could be damaging for the brand. I would really enjoy having another major franchise here and this would be one I actually would support.

[Thundergod]

The team's name is the Everblades (ay how cute a play on words), and has an alligator for a mascot? What exactly is an everblade? A type of gator?    Again, another reason why I can't stand forcing names on teams due to location. If it works and sounds cool, go for it. But seriously, IMO it's ok to use a random animal or something.

IF I HAD TO go location oriented, I'd go with the Florida Mosquitoes.  Can't get anymore intimidating than the #1 ranked deadliest animal. And holy Christ when mosquito season hits... (one of my buddy's football team is named the Everglades Mosquitoes,  genius  )

If I could choose any name, I've always thought Vipers would make a good team name.


LOL @ the Miami New Yorkers. 

[Tenshot13]

The Miami Moccasins?

[Sunstroke]

^^^ Nah, we all wear flip-flops down here, not moccasins.