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IFL Iowa Barnstormers

An Interview with General Manager Juli Pettit

April 26, 2021 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release


On May 22, 2021 the Iowa Barnstormers will take the field at Wells Fargo Arena for the first time since 2019.

The past year has been filled with uncertainty and tragedy for the organization. The team has had to navigate through the trials and tribulations of the pandemic, which includes the cancellation of the 2020 season and the postponement of the 2021 season, while carrying the weight of a tremendous loss.

A recipe for inevitable change.

At the head of the changes, Juli Pettit was officially announced as General Manager of the Iowa Barnstormers on March 3, 2021 stepping into her late father's shoes.

"I feel honored that Jeff Lamberti and the ownership group has the confidence in me to take on this role," Pettit said. "This is a big responsibility and I do not take it lightly."

Pettit worked side by side with her dad, John Pettit, for six years in the Barnstormers front office. Originally hired as the team's Marketing and Social Media Coordinator in 2014, Pettit began to absorb several other roles within the organization. Throughout her time with the Barnstormers, Pettit has oversaw the team's community and media relations, football operations, game day operations, and sales; paving her path to General Manager.

"No one can replace my dad and no one can come close to operating the way he did, not even me. It is impossible to fill his shoes."

Though Juli states that she is not a replacement for John, she credits him for giving her the knowledge and ability to take on the role of General Manager.

"I am the luckiest girl in the world," Pettit stated. "My dad taught me everything I know. I am one of very few people who can honestly say that I learned from the absolute best."

Though the road to the 2021 season has not been an easy one, Juli is looking forward to finally getting the team back on the field.

"I feel like we have been looking through smog and there is finally a clearing. We're so close."

The Barnstormers season will officially kickoff in a road contest against the Sioux Falls Storm on May 15 before the team returns to Wells Fargo Arena on May 22 for the first time in over a year.

The Iowa Barnstormers have plans to memorialize John Pettit at the May 22 home opener.

"This team meant the world to my dad. While the home opener will focus on honoring and recognizing my dad in a few different ways I plan to continue to honor him throughout the entire season."

While the Barnstormers feel lucky to be able to play this season, they still face several challenges ahead as the pandemic continues.

"We are continuing to navigate the unknown every day as we prepare for the season," said Pettit. "Our main goal is the safety of our team, staff, and fans."

Like many other sporting events, the stands at Barnstormers games may look slightly different this year. Wells Fargo Arena has put in place a mask mandate for the 2021 season as well as a socially distanced seating map in effort to keep fans safe and healthy.

"Our efforts to socially distance have brought up several challenges for us when looking at our game day operations and our community efforts for this season. We have had to get creative and are continuing to figure out new ways to do things to give our fans the best experience possible this year as we inch back toward normalcy."

Regardless of the necessary changes due to  the pandemic, fans can expect the same fast-paced, hard-hitting indoor football action they have been craving.

"It's crazy to think it's been over a year since we saw our field at Wells Fargo Arena. We're beyond ready and I hope our fans come out on May 22 to cheer the Barnstormers on."

Season Tickets for the 2021 Iowa Barnstormers season are on sale now for as low as $96 per seat. Don't miss a minute of the action! Call 515-633-2255 or visit www.theiowabarnstormers.com for more information.



Indoor Football League Stories from April 26, 2021


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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