What started with a mix of optimism and apprehension has flourished into tangible results. And four years later, Pittsburgh Passion football is thriving.

	If you go ... Who: Passion (0-1) vs. Columbus Comets (1-0) in a NWFA North Central Division game. When: 7 p.m. tomorrow Where: Cupples Stadium, South Side. Tickets: Individual game tickets are $5-$12 and can be purchased at the gate. Season ticket packages can be purchased through www.pittsburghpassion.com Notable: Former Steelers running back Franco Harris will participate in the coin toss against Columbus.

Pittsburgh's franchise in the 36-team, full-contact National Women's Football Association started with the hope it could sustain itself. The franchise has done more than that, transforming itself into a business model for the league.

"No one had any idea what to expect when we started this," Passion player/owner Teresa Conn said. "But the momentum gained quickly and people seem to love us, and a lot of that has to do with the fact the people in Pittsburgh are crazy about football. It seems like when the people around the league are looking for ideas, they say, 'What are they doing in Pittsburgh?' and 'How have they countered that problem in Pittsburgh?' To me, that is a huge compliment."

The Passion (0-1) open the home schedule at 7 p.m. tomorrow at Cupples Stadium on the South Side against the Columbus Comets (1-0).

The Passion players have jobs that range from attorneys to bartenders to maintenance mechanics to school counselors.

"We come from all walks of life," said Conn, a safety and the Passion's oldest player at 42. "But what we all have is that same, ultimate team goal. When we get out on that field, we're all like little kids again and we understand how great the opportunity is that we get to play this game."

For the Passion, continued growth might be the result of one thing: Location.

Over the three year history of the franchise, the Passion have played home games at high school stadiums in Belle Vernon and Ambridge. But with the move to Cupples Stadium, Conn believes the Passion's attendance will get a jolt.

"Most definitely I think the move to the South Side will help," she said. "We've got the parking lots taken care of and they'll be plenty of that. And, to get to the stadium is very accessible for a lot of people, no matter where they live in the Pittsburgh area. This move should definitely be a beneficial one."

The move could fall in line with the other factors that have heightened awareness of the franchise the past few years.

"We're definitely gaining ground and people are noticing our franchise," Conn said. "I remember that first year, there were a whole lot of people who had no idea who we were and what we did.

"Now, I know it is registering with people. Now people hear the name 'Pittsburgh Passion' and they know that we're a football team for women. There has been a growth for us, definitely. And I don't see why we can't continue to grow and even become bigger."