“Take a free hat!” I’m greeted by members of the Locomotion Dance Team (I’m warned later, do NOT call them cheerleaders) at the entryway of UFL Coach Jim Fassel’s house last week. He’s gathered swarms of media and sponsors together in Anthem Country Club to have a little delicious barbecue, watch some preseason football and let the community know the United Football League is here to stay—at least for the next few years.

All the players (they weren’t at the event—they arrived this Monday) now live here—Turtle Creek Condominiums, to be exact, a locale that allows them to be near Sam Boyd Stadium, where the four home games will be played. The team recently signed a five-year lease on office space on Pilot Road. And Fassel, a Southern California product who spent several seasons as head coach of the New York Giants, signed a two-year lease on his Anthem home. That residency will translate to community involvement, charity work, fundraising and more, Fassel promises.

“I love Las Vegas,” he says. “It’s a great town and community, but it’s also like New York in that there’s plenty of entertainment options. I saw Garth Brooks, and just ran into Santana having breakfast.”

He believes the UFL will only continue to grow in popularity, especially in Las Vegas, where attendance was best. “It really is outstanding football. These guys are a hiccup away from the NFL.”