1985 - Move to Orlando

In March 1984, with the Federals failing on the field and at the gate for a second straight season, Bernhard decided to sell the franchise. Florida real estate developer Sherwood “Woody” Weiser agreed in principle to buy the Federals for $5.5 million and made plans to relocate the team to Miami, Florida, with the name The Spirit of Miami for the 1985 season. In anticipation of the deal, the USFL executed a lease agreement for the Miami Orange Bowl, which would serve as the team′s new home field. At a meeting on May 9, 1984, the USFL′s team owners unanimously approved the sale of the Federals to Weiser.