Here’s a startup company in Austin that you wouldn’t necessarily think of because it’s a professional sports franchise — The Austin Wranglers. Yet the organization has all the same challenges as any other startup company in Austin. If you’ve never seen arena football, it’s an incredibly fun and fast-paced sport. With a field only 50 yards long anything can happen at any time.

Last weekend the Philadelphia Soul came to town, along with team owner Jon Bon Jovi. I did not spot Richie Sambora, another team owner, at the game.

Owning a professional sports franchise it not a get rich quick scheme. They cost a lot of money to operate, and you have to be aggressive with ticket sales, merchandising, and sponsors in order to break even (and hopefully build a fan base over the years and make money). I can think of several sports team owners (Red McCombs, Jerry Jones) that were very successful in business. I’m sure they are very success-oriented, focused, and competitive. That success allowed them to enjoy sports team ownership, and I’m sure as owners they are just as aggressive in wanting their team to win.

Unfortunately the Wranglers took a bad turn in the last minute of the game. They had the ball with about 30 seconds to take it down the field and score, which would have put them ahead. A turnover at the goal line smashed their hopes of a victory this week.

After the game the fans are allowed to come onto the field and get autographs from the coaches, players, and the Lady Wranglers. It’s a nice touch, and I think the fans really enjoy it. While the crew was preparing the field for the fan meet-and-greet, Jon Bon Jovi came onto the playing field. I always wonder if famous people are going to turn out to be jerks, egomaniacs, or just regular guys. Bon Jovi skipped the high fives with his players and went straight to the Wranglers players to shake hands, and congratulate them on a game well-played. He retired to the locker room after that, where I’m sure he told his team what a great job they did. On the way out of the tunnel, he was very courteous and gracious, shaking hands with Wranglers owner Doug MacGregor. He gets my vote as a regular guy.

If you haven’t been to a game yet, you really should check it out. You’ll be supporting an Austin startup. The last home game of the season is Saturday night, June 9th againts the Georgia Force. The force are leading the division, and a victory would be a major upset.