Silverbacks returning to Troy in 2008
September 18, 2007 - Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Dayton Silverbacks News Release
The Miami Valley Silverbacks will once again call Hobart Arena home in 2008.
The Silverbacks were approached by several different cities and explored other options for 2008 before deciding to return to Troy for a third season.
"We really love the city of Troy and Hobart Arena," Silverbacks president Matthew King said. "We have been active in the community through various charities and have developed a strong tie with the citizens of the area. "Ken (Siler) has been tremendous to work with at Hobart Arena, and we really love the nostalgic atmosphere present at Hobart on game nights."
The Silverbacks made the playoffs in their second season and look to advance further in the postseason in 2008. With their third year beginning to kickoff, the Silverbacks are the longest surviving professional indoor football team in the Miami Valley.
While the Silverbacks have made a conscious effort to become involved in charities and businesses in the area, they have not been reciprocated at the ticket window as well as they thought they would be. The Silverbacks are still working on following the proper channels to add beer sales at games, something King believes may boost attendance without taking away from the family atmosphere of games. In addition, the Silverbacks bring business into Troy on game nights, as spectators arrive early to dine at several Troy restaurants and shop prior to heading to the game. The fiscal contributions continue as the Silverbacks pay 3-percent tax to the city for each ticket sold.
"We do a lot of things at games geared for families and kids," King said. "We throw out over 100 shirts a game and have contests which are aimed toward families to add to their experience of attending a game. And, we feel like we contribute to the society and the lifestyle of the community.
"Everyone involved with the Silverbacks are family oriented people who are focused toward making sure even the youngest fan has an enjoyable experience when they leave the game."
While the Silverbacks are returning in 2008 to Troy, King says there is no guarantee that offers from other arenas or cities won't change that in 2009. If every citizen in Troy attended one game, the Silverbacks would play in front of a sellout crowd each game.
The Marion Mayhem, the Silverbacks' main rival, is the only other team in a market similar to Troy's. While the Silverbacks hold an edge in sponsorship money, the people in Marion have backed the Mayhem on game night with large, loud crowds. The lone difference between the two is Marion is permitted to sell alcohol at their games.
"This is really a make or break year for our future in Troy," King said. "We have done our best to become active in the community, yet we are not getting the support on game nights that we need. "I would like to challenge every resident of Troy to attend at least one game next season to see what we are all about. This is not a flash in the pan. We have survived longer than any other indoor team in the Miami Valley, and we plan to be around for years to come. We love where we are and we are asking the people of Troy to help us stay."
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Continental Indoor Football League Stories from September 18, 2007
- Silverbacks returning to Troy in 2008 - Dayton Silverbacks
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