WUSA: L.A., Twin Cities will stage June 'festivals'

WUSA officials, working to relaunch the women's professional league in 2005, announced Monday that Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., and the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn., will stage two of the three planned ''festivals'' in June.

The ''festivals,'' meant to rally enthusiasm and build awareness for the planned relaunch, will be held June 17-20 in Blaine and June 24-27 in Carson, with a possible third ''festival'' on June 10-13. The events will include two games, clinics, player appearances, autograph sessions and ''WUSA Fan Zones'' over four-day periods.

WUSA Commissioner Tony DiCicco and Boston Breakers general manager Joe Cummings, among the architects of the relaunch, said two cities were being considered for the third ''festival'' — they would not identify either — and that it was possible that there would only be two ''festivals.''

''We said there would be up to three [''festivals'],'' Cummings said. ''We've announced two. Maybe it's in the best interest for everyone to play two 'festivals.' Hopefully, there will be three.''

No determination has been made as to which teams will play on which weekends, but officials would prefer that the league's California teams — the San Diego Spirit and San Jose CyberRays — play in Carson and that the Atlanta Beat, with native Minnesotan Briana Scurry, play in Blaine.

The initial plan was to hold doubleheaders, but Cummings said it was possible games could be played on different days — a Friday night and Saturday afternoon, for instance — during each weekend. No decision has yet been made.

Eighteen communities, including all eight WUSA cities, made bids to play host to the ''festivals.''

Officials hope the ''festivals'' will be televised. They also believe the events can bring 10,000 fans, a sellout, to Blaine and 12,000 to 15,000 to Carson.

Further details on the events, including sponsors, ticket information and participating players, will be announced later. DiCicco said the Players Association had received word from about 100 players that they were interested in taking part in the ''festivals,'' and the U.S. women's national team players are expected to play.

No announcement has been made on sponsorship and ownership for 2005, and DiCicco acknowledged that he cannot say with certainty that the league will return next year.