History
In 2000, construction began on the SBC Center, located next to the Freeman Coliseum, home of the Central Hockey League's San Antonio Iguanas. Partnering with the Florida Panthers, the Spurs bought the dormant Adirondack Red Wings franchise and moved it to San Antonio. Local investment for the Iguanas quickly dried up, and the Iguanas folded.
Originally, the team was nicknamed the "San Antonio Stampede." However, when a local semipro football team objected, the name was quickly changed to the "Rampage."
On June 30, 2005 Spurs Sports & Entertainment purchased the Panthers' interest in the franchise, assuming sole ownership of the AHL club. They also entered a multi-year affiliation agreement with the Phoenix Coyotes.
On September 7, 2006 The Rampage unveiled their new uniforms with the official colors now being black, white and silver (the same motif used by the Spurs, as well as other Spurs-owned teams). While the primary and secondary logos remain the same, the crest of the jerseys will now reflect just the bull’s head giving it a more sleek look.
On 11 April 2007, the Coyotes announced that it had fired Rampage general manager Laurence Gilman, who had been with the Coyotes organization for 13 years.
On November 23, 2009, the Phoenix Coyotes fired Greg Ireland. He was replaced by assistant coach Ray Edwards; Mike Pelino was named assistant coach. Ray Edwards was officially named head coach of the San Antonio Rampage prior to the 2010-2011 season.
Their main rivals are the Texas Stars (located up Interstate 35 near Austin) and the Houston Aeros (located down Interstate 10).
After the 2010–11 AHL season, the Coyotes came to an agreement with the Portland Pirates to be their new AHL affiliate, leaving San Antonio without an affiliate. On June 29, 2011, San Antonio officially became Florida's top affiliate for a second time.
The market was previously served by:
- San Antonio Iguanas of the CHL (1994–2002)
- San Antonio Dragons of the IHL (1996–1998)
Read more about this topic: San Antonio Rampage
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