Jack Torrance - contributing reporter
Before we even kick off with our inaugural season, let's take a look at some of the rivalries that are already forming by the fanbases; but we are excited to see what rivalries end up forming on the field as well.
If we had it our way, we'd ask the commissioner's office to schedule in a rivalry week just after the All-Star break where we saw bitter rivals going head to head for bragging rights.
- The Soundwave Showdown
- Vancouver vs. Tacoma
- The teams on either side of the Puget Sound face off. not only is this a regional battle but it also pits the US against Canada. USA, USA, USA!! Vancouver brings the cool, cosmopolitan spirit while Tacoma answers with raw, industrial energy.
- Kick-Off Event: A boat parade down the Puget Sound, often times highlighting the expensive custom yachts of the two owners. The Vancouver Owner's yacht is as colorful as their fake Monopoly money.
- The Hollywood Harvest
- Los Angeles vs. Fresno
- It's the glitz and glamour of Hollywood colliding with the hardworking farming ethos of the Heart of the Valley. Instead of white chalk down the base paths, for this series LA will use red to emulate the card carpet of Hollywood.
- Kick-Off Event: A fund raising event for the region is the Harvest Feast; that pairs local farmers with Stars in a charity cook-off event; followed by a a celebrity charity softball game.
- The Havoc of the High Plains
- Fargo vs. Helena
- Competition between the plains of Fargo and the mountains of Helena. Helena will often bring out their alternate 'Gold Rush' jerseys with Fargo pushing their 'Prairie night'
- Kick-Off Event: The High Plains Relay Challenge, a car race from the visiting City to the honest City with different stops and tasks such as ice fishing or mountain biking challenges to be completed a long the way. The winner gets Suite tickets behind Home Plate.
- The Rocky Mountain Rumble
- Colorado Springs vs. Salt Lake City
- The tail of two cities, situated in the shadow of the great Rocky Mountains, from the heights of Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs) to the depths of the Great Salt Lake, this battle is for the heart of the Rockies.
- Kick-Off Event: The night before Game 1 of the series, fans are treated to an amazing drone show; including images such as the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, the Great Salt Lake, and desert cacti among other items. Game 1 itself, it kicked off by a fly over by the US Air Force Academy.
- The Upstate Uprising
- Buffalo vs. Syracuse
- It's the cold, relentless power of Buffalo on Lake Erie versus the tranquil Finger Lake and intellectual precision of Syracuse just up the Erie Canal. A battle for the soul of New York!
- Kick-Off Event: The Erie Regatta - hundreds of people lineup for a multi-day race down the Erie Canal. Everything from kayaks to canoes to row boats to dinghies to custom made man powered boats can be seen here.
- The Shock of Love
- Scranton vs. Philadelphia
- The City of Electricity takes on The City of Brotherly Love. It's the humble, hardworking streets of Scranton against the bold, historic avenues of Philly.
- Kick-Off Event: The Love Shock Festival in the Host City showcasing some of the local music, arts, food, and the community itself. When in Philly, it turns into a week long block party.
- The Royal Bull Bash
- Durham vs. Charlotte
- Durham's also known as 'Bull City' takes on Charlotte whose is also known as 'Queen City', to determine who the true King of North Carolina is.
- Kick-Off Event: Charity event for the unveiling of the Crown, which is to be awarded to the MVP of the series for the winning team.
- The Soul & Steel Duel
- Nashville vs. New Orleans
- Nashville's steel guitars and country music take on the soulful jazz music of New Orleans.
- Kick-Off Event: A dual city musical concert the day before the Series is to begin, set with some of the biggest starts in Country and Jazz music.
- The Midwest Melee
- Chicago vs. St. Louis
- Chicago's bustling metropolis and St. Louis' deep-rooted Midwestern traditions.
- Kick-Off Event: Tailgate Festival featuring each of the city's traditional styles and foods.
- The Buckeye Battle
- Cincinnati vs. Cleveland
- A battle for Ohio pride, with Cincy's riverfront charm and Cleveland's hope that Lebron will bring them a World Series title in Hardball Stitches!
- Kick-Off Event: The Ohio River Regatta, a race on the river that culminates in a fireworks show and a celebration of local brews.
- The Sunset Showdown
- Arizona vs. Scottsdale
- A rivalry set against the breathtaking Arizona desert sunsets, with two cities famous for their vibrant landscapes and luxury lifestyles.
- Kick-Off Event: A Sunset Festival featuring a hot air balloon race at Sunset, followed by a desert concert under the stars.
- The Northeast Knockout
- New York vs. Boston
- An epic clash between two of America's most iconic cities, fueled by their historic rivalry and passionate fanbases.
- Kick-Off Event: Charity walk through the streets of the Host City with fans dressed as their favorite historical or celebrity members from each city.
- The Iron Crab
- Baltimore vs. Trenton
- Baltimore is known for its blue crabs and Trenton has a rich history of ironworks.
- Kick-Off Event: Each city hosts their own event, A Crab Feast in Baltimore and an Iron Works Gala in Trenton.
- The Pride of Texas
- San Antonio vs. Texas
- The heart of Texas with San Antonio's historic charm and Dallas' modern energy, battling for the Lone Star State.
- Kick-Off Event: A Texas sized BBQ Showdown between both cities with special guests and Michelin Star BBQ grill masters from Corkscrew BBQ in Austin as judge.
- The Heartland Showdown
- Indianapolis vs. Montgomery
- The fast paced racing world of Indy meets the deep South slow cooking.
- Kick-Off Event: Indianapolis holds a vintage car race and Montgomery a Southern cook-off hosted by the player's wives.
- The Borderland Battle
- Tucson vs. Mexico City
- A cross-border rivalry between the Southwestern charm of Tucson and the vibrant energy of Mexico City.
- Kick-Off Event: A cultural celebration featuring Mexican music and cuisine in Tucson, followed by a lively art show and food festival in Mexico City.