Post by titanfandrew on Dec 1, 2007 4:22:24 GMT -5
www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007711300343
Tallahassee Titans owner David Morris conceded that his indoor football team will not take the field in 2008 and is refunding money to about 40 people who bought advance season tickets.
Morris said ticket holders should call their credit-card company and request a refund.
The Civic Center voided its three-year lease with the Titans after just one season because Morris is unable to pay $40,000 he owes the arena.
“Even I, at this point, have to face reality,” Morris said. “I went through my reserves, my retirement, my lines of credit. . . . It's obvious that the business of the Titans did not make enough.”
The Titans went 11-4 this spring, but start-up costs were higher than expected and the team ran out of money during its inaugural season.
Morris said he will now focus his energy on paying debts, but he will also continue to seek investors in hopes of playing in 2009. Morris' talks with a local investor and former Buffalo Bills tight end Mark Brammer have ended.
“It's going to take a couple of people who want to see a minor league team succeed,” Morris said. “Tallahassee is a great city with great fans.”
The Titans averaged about 3,500 fans for their eight home games, among the best turnouts in the American Indoor Football Association.
But for indoor football to return in 2009, Morris or another owner will have to raise more corporate sponsorship dollars - only $46,000 was collected by the Titans in 2007.
Civic Center director Ron Spencer and board members will also have to be convinced that another attempt at minor league sports is viable.
Two attempts to make indoor football work in Tallahassee have now failed, with the Thunder folding in 2002 after three seasons. The Tiger Sharks (hockey) began playing in 1994 but moved to Macon, Ga., in 2001, and the Scorpions (indoor soccer) shut down in 1998 after two seasons.
Tallahassee Titans owner David Morris conceded that his indoor football team will not take the field in 2008 and is refunding money to about 40 people who bought advance season tickets.
Morris said ticket holders should call their credit-card company and request a refund.
The Civic Center voided its three-year lease with the Titans after just one season because Morris is unable to pay $40,000 he owes the arena.
“Even I, at this point, have to face reality,” Morris said. “I went through my reserves, my retirement, my lines of credit. . . . It's obvious that the business of the Titans did not make enough.”
The Titans went 11-4 this spring, but start-up costs were higher than expected and the team ran out of money during its inaugural season.
Morris said he will now focus his energy on paying debts, but he will also continue to seek investors in hopes of playing in 2009. Morris' talks with a local investor and former Buffalo Bills tight end Mark Brammer have ended.
“It's going to take a couple of people who want to see a minor league team succeed,” Morris said. “Tallahassee is a great city with great fans.”
The Titans averaged about 3,500 fans for their eight home games, among the best turnouts in the American Indoor Football Association.
But for indoor football to return in 2009, Morris or another owner will have to raise more corporate sponsorship dollars - only $46,000 was collected by the Titans in 2007.
Civic Center director Ron Spencer and board members will also have to be convinced that another attempt at minor league sports is viable.
Two attempts to make indoor football work in Tallahassee have now failed, with the Thunder folding in 2002 after three seasons. The Tiger Sharks (hockey) began playing in 1994 but moved to Macon, Ga., in 2001, and the Scorpions (indoor soccer) shut down in 1998 after two seasons.
Well, looks like I'll have to find a new team....
