Northern Ice and WPFL information
Published on October 12, 2003 under Women's Professional Football League (WPFL)
Northern Ice News Release
When will the Playoff games be held?
Saturday, October 25, 2003
Kenosha, WI
7pm
Why is there only one round of playoffs?
In the past, there have been teams who have had to forfeit their playoff spot due to lack of playoff travel funds. Playoff travel can cost upwards of $10,000 per team traveling. One of the benefits that sets the WPFL apart is that the league pays for all playoff and championship game travel as well as provides a $10,000 purse for the Championship winner to purchase rings, awards, etc. Due to the rapid growth of the WPFL, it was voted by the Board of Directors (team owners) to keep the playoff schedule as is and realign the budget to accommodate a second round in the 2004 season.
Why do some teams only play 9 games?
When the initial WPFL schedule was published, each team received a 10-game regular season schedule and immediately went into spending thousands of dollars in pre-season advertising, ticket printing and signage. With the unfortunate withdrawal of the Austin Rage, Pacific Blast, Orlando Fire and Tampa Bay Force, many schedules had to be realigned. To avoid disturbing teams that, in essence, were not affected by the withdrawals, it was agreed that the league would reschedule only those teams most affected. The ultimate goal being to fill as many home games as possible. Teams in close proximity and/or having more financial flexibility were called upon to assist with these open dates. In most cases playoff berths were secured regardless of the win/loss of a 9th game.
What does "Promotional Game" mean?
A WPFL promotional game is one that is played for the sake of the fans and the home team's community. As a result of the 4 teams withdrawing, many remaining teams were left with open home dates that if not played could greatly damage the following in that respective town. Cross-league teams agreed to help one another avoid the embarrassment of forfeited games, a goal the WPFL ultimately strives to uphold. An example of a Promotional Game was the Long Beach Aftershock vs. the Houston Energy on Aug. 24th 2003.
Why didn't the Long Beach vs. Houston game count toward standings?
Houston Energy v. Long Beach Aftershock was a promotional game played in place of the originally scheduled Pacific Blast game. The sole purpose of this match was to avoid the open home date for Long Beach fans. The Houston Energy agreed to the game due to their game in against So.Cal the day before. The factors that allowed Houston to play this game was a) Proximity, b) willingness to play back-to-back games and c) financial flexibility to transport and lodge their team. The loss against Houston during this game did not count against Houston because of their willingness to play under irregular circumstances.
How are playoff sites chosen?
Several factors are taken into consideration as to where the playoff games will be held.
1) Stadium availability
2) Host team's willingness to put on the event
3) Which team has the better record
4) Which venue has historically attracted better attendance
Where can I buy tickets to the playoffs?
You may only pre-purchase adult tickets. Children's tickets will only be sold at the gate. Adult tickets are $15.00 and may be purchased online, through most team owners or at the gate on gameday.
Women's Professional Football League Stories from October 12, 2003
- Northern Ice and WPFL information - Northern Ice
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.
