No it wasn't nearly finalized. One of the 10 drafts that had been presented over the years was on his desk. Yes, Faison wanted a yearly game back in 2010 but then finally relented to every other year. Then, Gene changed his own offer to two in Fargo, one in GF. Remember the article in the Forum that pointed it out? I guess we can dig it up if you want.
Why do you think they finally signed the game immediately Gene left? Please answer.