Fans turn out to see the show
By Mike Vergane/ QUAD-CITY TIMES

At first glance, nothing appears to have changed.

Like the previous two home openers, pregame festivities at Saturday nights Steamwheelers game included pyrotechnics, cheerleaders, mascots and rock music.

And much like last seasons opener, the pregame was highlighted by the raising of a championship banner.

Steamwheelers owner Jim Foster, the P.T. Barnum of arena football, kept the fans focus on the field. And in keeping with Barnums theory that if the people like looking at one horse they will love looking at two, Foster kept the contests and giveaways going.

Many fans did not seem to care that the Steamwheelers are on probation and will be unable to participate in the af2 postseason. Steve Rohlf of Davenport and his 5-year-old son, Daniel, just wanted to see some football.

I dont think it will affect how many games we will go to, Steve Rohlf said. We have gone to six games over the past two seasons, and we will probably go to a couple more this year.

Trent Hanrahan of Hillsdale, Ill., brought his wife and 4-year-old son to their first Wheeler game and knew little of what happened during the offseason. He did not feel that it would affect the play on the field or their interest.

Steamwheelers general manager Ed Knupp expected a good walk-up crowd and remained optimistic that the team will not suffer because of the sanctions.

The season-ticket holders have renewed at a very good rate, Knupp said. The new holders have been slow to come on board, but we expected that to be the case. What we are happy about is that we have a good, solid fan base behind us. The problem the fans may have is that the economy went soft over the winter months.

Attendance for the game was announced at 7,831.

Although many fans were perfectly happy to just watch football and be entertained, some would still like some questions answered. One such fan is former Steamwheeler Fan Club President Mick Nelson of Moline.

I believe that what Harry Truman said is true, in that the buck stops here, Nelson said. And I believe the buck stops at Jim Fosters desk. He is the Harry Truman of this team.

Nelson echoed the sentiments of many fans who have followed the developments over the past five months. They say the league office needs to be more forthcoming and let the public know exactly what rules were violated.

Another interested fan who was unaware of any rules violations was the girlfriend of OL/DL Corey Brown, Contera Batie, of Iowa City.

I never even heard about (the sanctions) from my boyfriend, she said. I heard about it from the other fans who called and e-mailed me. I still dont even know what happened. He doesnt talk about it. It seems to me that nobody knew the rules.

Contact the sports desk at (563) 383-2285 or sports@qctimes.com.