State of Illinois COVID-19 Restrictions Force Steamwheelers into Dormancy
October 23, 2020 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release
The Quad City Steamwheelers announced today they have filed for dormancy with the Indoor Football League (IFL) for the 2021 season. With so much uncertainty regarding the state of Illinois and its COVID-19 policies that restrict mass indoor gatherings the Steamwheelers feel they were left with no alternative.
"After speaking with Illinois officials and industry insiders the realization of hosting games with fans in attendance at the Tax Slayers Center in March were bleak" said Steamwheelers CEO Doug Bland. The State of Illinois current stance of hosting mass indoor gatherings without restrictions of capacity will not be allowed until a vaccine has been issued to the citizens of Illinois. "This decision was not an easy one, when the likelihood of us getting to play games with fans is this low, you have to decided what is in the best interests of out IFL playing partners in less restrictive states as well as the players and fans" stated Bland. The league (IFL) had an October release date of their 2021 schedule. Bland went on to say "We did not want to hinder the IFL in anyway or our players the opportunity to chase their NFL dreams due to our restrictions we have in the state of Illinois." With the Wheelers making the decision now, the League can release their schedule without fear of having to redo it again in February once it is 100% confirmed that these games would not be able to host fans without capacity restrictions.
The Steamwheelers have worked with IFL commissioner Todd Tryon during this unprecedented time and have committed to a LAA (Letter Affiliation Agreement) for the 2022 season. The Quad City Steamwheelers will take this time to build their foothold in the Quad Cities community and will come back even stronger when the effects of COVID-19 are in the rearview Mirror. "I can't wait till our amazing fans can pack the Tax Slayer Center again and hear the announcer scream Touchdown Steamwheerlers" stated Bland.
Season ticket holders will be able to keep their exact same seats they have secured for 2021. If a refund is required, they can be done via the Tax Slayer Box Office.
Indoor Football League Stories from October 23, 2020
- State of Illinois COVID-19 Restrictions Force Steamwheelers into Dormancy - Quad City Steamwheelers
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