The Crescent City will say goodbye to one of its beloved sports franchises.
Though the team predates the days of Katrina, the New Orleans Voodoo has played its final season in the Graveyard.
Since being acquired by owner Dan Newman, the team has struggled to maintain a consistent fan base. Former Communications Manager Chip Merritt believes that one of the biggest reasons for the financial woes of the franchise was the lack of advertising from the front office.
“Fan turnout has been low because, quite frankly, we didn’t advertise. We had two billboards and we didn’t have any television commercials anywhere. The previous owner felt that cold calling and word of mouth would get the job done,” Merritt said.
According to Merritt, those tactics would normally be more effective in smaller markets such as Shreveport where the team originated. However, in a city like New Orleans, the tactic proved ineffective.
According to arenafan.com, a site that lists in depth information on players and teams, this marks the 28th time in 29 seasons that a team has folded or moved due to financial difficulties. Throughout the year, the Voodoo, as well as the Las Vegas Outlaws, have been seized by the league. Adam Markowitz, editor of arenafan.com, said that this is a league-wide issue.
“The Arena Football League as a whole was setup poorly in 2010. The owners actually own shares of the AFL. Teams are responsible for their own operations, but if they fail, the other owners must pick up the slack,” Markowitz said.
As of 2010, 10 teams have either folded or moved, and seven have been discontinued due to financial reasons, according to Markowitz.
It has also been a trying year for the team, as they finish what could be a final season as a franchise at 3-14-1. Though the Voodoo have only managed two successful seasons as a franchise, fans are still lamenting the loss of their team.
“It’s heartbreaking to me, personally. I always had fun during the game and on the field afterward,” Greg Pittman said, an avid arena football fan.
Pittman, who has been a fan of the Voodoo for over 10 years, said that even with the lacking fan base, the experience was unique.
“It had some aspects that you couldn’t find in the NFL. I’ll miss them,” Pittman said.
