New Orleans VooDoo not playing in 2006

[Fran]

I think its a joke that other New Orleans sports teams can find a place to play but the VooDoo can't.


A statement from Saints/VooDoo Owner Tom Benson regarding the status of the New Orleans VooDoo franchise for the 2006 Arena Football League season:

"The decision has been made to suspend play of the New Orleans VooDoo in New Orleans for the 2006 season. Factors beyond our control are forcing us to make this decision. We will not have a facility available to us to play our games, we will not be able to house players and staff and we will not be able to utilize our practice facility as it is being used by the government for Hurricane Katrina operations."

[rams80]

I think that it may just be an announcement preperatory to a move-not the use of "in New Orleans"

That or if there is a true suspension of operations, the AFL can waive the need for $20+ million in expansion fees for Kansas City or Indianapolis and let them in for a discount.

[Pounder]

What I've been told is that New Orleans Arena came out relatively unscathed from the storm. That certainly wouldn't be an excuse.

Anticipating only half the population to return to the area (at least I heard that one yesterday) would definitely be a problem long-term.

What this tells me is that the teams have to do a LOT of work to make money at this, therefore just diving headfirst into alternate accomodations is VERY costly compared to an NFL or NBA situation. People can only afford to lose so much money.

If anything, I think we may not see the VooDoo again IN EXCHANGE FOR Benson trying to make a go at paying for a new building or Superdome renovations for the Saints.