Originally, six teams were announced and two teams would be announced at later date. Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, New York, San Francisco, and Washington were all awarded teams. The XFL, switched, Miami and Washington to Birmingham, Memphis, Chicago, and Las Vegas making the XFL team total at eight. During the season, XFL debuted on February 3, 2001 in Las Vegas and Orlando. The world was eager to find out about the XFL. Ratings were high but interest died quickly in the league.