ThunderCats roar into Knoxville

by IPFL Press Release
November 14, 2000 - Indoor Professional Football League (IPFL)

IPFL Press Release

A thunderous roar echoed from atop Rocky Top on Tuesday as it was announced that a new predator was on the loose in the east Tennessee Smoky Mountains.

At a press conference at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Knoxville's Deputy Mayor Gene Patterson and Vice Mayor Jack Sharp officially welcomed to their city the newest Indoor Professional Football League (IPFL) team - the Tennessee ThunderCats.

"This is an exciting day for me personally," Tennessee ThunderCats' Chief Operating Officer Ralph Adams said. "My research and knowledge of this community has made me extremely optimistic about this commitment. Likewise, I think being granted the right to operate an IPFL franchise in Knoxville will prove to be an asset to the league as well as the city."

"The Indoor Professional Football League (IPFL) is delighted to be in what I regard as the top football market in the south," said IPFL Commissioner Mike Storen. "Knoxville is certainly the football Mecca of east Tennessee, which is well documented by the enormous following of the Big Orange faithful. That stated, the IPFL is confident that a local influx of football talent to Knoxville's professional rank will make the Tennessee ThunderCats a success both on and off the field."

Among the team representatives on hand for the news conference was ThunderCats' President George Lemon, who was joined by his famous father, Harlem Globetrotter Meadowlark Lemon. "I think Knoxville will provide an excellent opportunity," said the younger Lemon. "Introducing the indoor game to such enthusiastic football fans is going to be great for both the ThunderCats and the IPFL."

Accompanying the announcement was the unveiling of the team's logo, which features the side view of a fierce orange-colored cat with a flowing mane and a yellow-colored lightning bolt, outlined in black, emanating from a red-colored eye that features the letter "T" in black.

The IPFL, which recently completed its third season, features a 16-game regular-season schedule that spans from April to August. Tennessee will begin play in April 2001 in the 5,000-seat Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Season ticket prices for the eight-game home schedule are: $395, $345, $255, $205, $155 and $95. For tickets or more information, call the ThunderCats' office at 865-523-8228.

• Discuss this story on the Indoor Professional Football League message board...

Indoor Professional Football League Stories from November 14, 2000

• ThunderCats roar into Knoxville - OSC Original by IPFL Press Release

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.