Wichita Wranglers Head to Springdale

"He was excited as anything about feeling good about the final negotiation with Wichita." That`s Springdale Mayor Jerre Van Hoose and he`s talking about the conversation he had Thursday night with the Wichita Wrangler`s president and the team`s intent on coming to our area. Right now, Mayor Van Hoose says everything is ‘a-go. We`re now just waiting on both sides to sign on the dotted line. "We will be on the same page before the day`s up...they called to tell us they are. They want to come to Northwest Arkansas and they have for a very long time." And folks here in Northwest Arkansas say they want the team here too. Jeff Hartman says, "I tell ya... I think it`s a good thing for our community, first of all. But Im looking forward to having more sports in the area and Im hoping to get a professional sports team here." And Joni Williams agrees. "This is a really great thing. I know they have been working really hard on getting the team here... and I just think its going to be a great thing for Springdale." Once the letter of intent is formalized the mayor says the goal is to have the lease ready for the Springdale City Council meeting August 22nd. And when thats agreed upon, it`s time to sell bonds and start spending the money for the new stadium. So what about the name for our new baseball team? "Im voting for the Springdale red roosters," says Mayor Van Hoose. But Hartman says hes not so sure about the roosters. "Oh... I don`t know about that. I think theres enough chicken going on in Springdale!" "Springdale red roosters?" asks Williams. "Well, Im sure that ties in well with the chickens here... that totally makes sense. It sounds great!" Now Mayor Van Hoose tells us they plan on building this new stadium at the beginning of next year. The Wranglers last season in Wichita will be in 2007...coming to Springdale in 2008. Were also told all 11 officers and managers with the team will be offered jobs in Springdale.