Tag: Richfield Coliseum

Cleveland Nets

World Team Tennis (1974-1977) Born: 1973 – WTT founding franchise Moved: February 1978 (New Orleans Nets) First Game: May 7, 1974 (L 32-21 @ Toronto-Buffalo

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Head Coach Earle Bruce on the cover of a 1994 Cleveland Thunderbolts program from the Arena Football League

Cleveland Thunderbolts

The Cleveland Thunderbolts were a bottom-dwelling Arena Football League franchise that played for three seasons at the suburban Richfield Coliseum from 1992 to 1994. The T-Bolts were one of the weakest entries in the Arena League in the mid-1990’s, posting an 8-26 record during their three seasons in Cleveland, including back-to-back 2-10 campaigns in 1993 and 1994. The ‘Bolts signed two big names from the world of college football. Two-time Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Major Harris of the University of West Virginia played for the team in 1992 and 1994. Former Ohio State boss Earle Bruce coached the Thunderbolts during their final season in 1994.

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Illustration of Kai Haaskivi on the cover of the 1989-90 Cleveland Crunch media guide from the Major Indoor Soccer League

Cleveland Crunch

The Crunch were Cleveland’s indoor soccer team of the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Led by standout forwards Hector Marinaro and Zoran Karic, the Crunch won National Professional Soccer League titles in 1994, 1996 and 1999. Between 1993 and 2001, either Marinaro or Karic led the NPSL in scoring for nine consecutive seasons. Off the field, the Crunch never managed to rekindle the passionate following enjoyed by their local predecessor, the Cleveland Force, who packed the Richfield Coliseum for Major Indoor Soccer League matches during the mid-1980’s. The Crunch era came to an end in 2002, as new owners switched back to the old “Force” name and colors in an unsuccessful bid to juice the team’s financial fortunes.

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Illustration of goaltender Gerry Cheevers on the cover of a 1974-75 Cleveland Crusaders program from the World Hockey Association

Cleveland Crusaders

World Hockey Association (1972-1976) Born: June 21, 1972 – WHA founding franchise Moved: August 9, 1976 (Minnesota Fighting Saints) First Game: October 11, 1972 (W

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