GDAWG Posted May 24 Share Posted May 24 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GDAWG Posted May 24 Share Posted May 24 Quote Rapid City, SD – May 24, 2024 - The Rapid City Marshals regretfully announce the cessation of operations, effective immediately. This decision stems from a lack of leadership from previous Arena Football League (AFL) league officials and their unfulfilled promises rendering it impossible for the team to sustain its operations. This difficult choice follows a recent incident where players refused to take the field and a subsequent last-minute game cancellation, eroding trust between the players and the organization. Coupled with unmet financial obligations, this has become an insurmountable obstacle, leaving the Rapid City Marshals with no viable alternative but to cease operations. Wes Johnson, co-owner the Rapid City Marshals, expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, "We understand the struggles and frustrations our players have faced with us and with the league. As an ownership group, we feel that the league put us in a terrible position. We hoped we’d be able to find a way to survive, but unfortunately that is not the case." Reflecting on the team's journey, Johnson added, "My sister and I invested in this team out of a deep love for football and a desire to build a lasting legacy here. We believed that joining the AFL would be a great opportunity for our team, this community, and arena football for many years to come. We are devastated to find ourselves in this position." The decision to cease operations affects not only the team but also its fans, sponsors, and the wider community. The Rapid City Marshals extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported the team throughout its journey. Johnson further expressed appreciation, saying, "There are numerous individuals and companies in this town who stepped up and supported us through sponsorship, trade agreements, you name it. This community has been good to us, and even in our struggles, they were here to lend a hand. We can't thank them enough for their patience and understanding." Regarding ticket reimbursements, The Monument will handle refunds for games not played. Credit card payments will be automatically refunded within 7-10 days. For cash or other payment methods, checks will be mailed to the address associated with the ticketing account. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dilbert Posted May 24 Share Posted May 24 1 Quote Signature intentionally left blank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheAnt755 Posted May 25 Share Posted May 25 I don't know how this league can finish the season after trainwreck after trainwreck... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sykotyk Posted May 25 Share Posted May 25 2 hours ago, TheAnt755 said: I don't know how this league can finish the season after trainwreck after trainwreck... At a certain point they become the Arena Trainwreck League and that becomes the selling point. "Show up, something bad might happen!" 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dilbert Posted May 26 Share Posted May 26 Well apparently Oregon was unable to travel to SW Kansas due to "unforeseen circumstances" (announced on May 23). Instead SW Kansas hosted the Cedar Rapids RiverKings who are now playing independently after abandoning the revived AIF after two games. 1 Quote Signature intentionally left blank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheAnt755 Posted May 26 Share Posted May 26 6 minutes ago, Dilbert said: Well apparently Oregon was unable to travel to SW Kansas due to "unforeseen circumstances" (announced on May 23). Instead SW Kansas hosted the Cedar Rapids RiverKings who are now playing independently after abandoning the revived AIF after two games. Oregon is going to told again aren't they... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GDAWG Posted May 26 Share Posted May 26 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheAnt755 Posted May 26 Share Posted May 26 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PTrudellJr Posted May 27 Share Posted May 27 55 minutes ago, TheAnt755 said: Damn, had Yakety Sax running through my head earlier and just had a flashback to it here... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dilbert Posted May 27 Share Posted May 27 This league looks like its starting off right. Cool names and logos. and only starting with four teams in Duluth, Kansas City, Waterloo and Springfield. Quote Signature intentionally left blank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GDAWG Posted May 27 Share Posted May 27 40 minutes ago, Dilbert said: This league looks like its starting off right. Cool names and logos. and only starting with four teams in Duluth, Kansas City, Waterloo and Springfield. And with expansion to Hot Springs and Eau Claire for 2025. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raz Posted May 28 Share Posted May 28 Nvm, old news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpidersReorg Posted May 31 Share Posted May 31 I'm going to an IFL game tomorrow night. Barnstormers @ Storm. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dilbert Posted June 8 Share Posted June 8 Saw this week that the AFL released a new revised schedule (after the collapse of several teams) for the remainder of the season. Oregon Blackbears, who were in, out, and back in again, are once again out. League is now at 9 teams 1 Quote Signature intentionally left blank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sodboy13 Posted June 18 Share Posted June 18 The West Texas Desert Hawks, who briefly exited the league due to a lawsuit from the NAL and then returned a couple days later, have folded following a 65-61 weekend win. The league now stands at eight teams after eight weeks, which works out to one team going under every week of the season on average. 2 Quote On 1/25/2013 at 1:53 PM, 'Atom said: For all the bird de lis haters I think the bird de lis isnt supposed to be a pelican and a fleur de lis I think its just a fleur de lis with a pelicans head. Thats what it looks like to me. Also the flair around the tip of the beak is just flair that fleur de lis have sometimes source I am from NOLA. PotD: 10/19/07, 08/25/08, 07/22/10, 08/13/10, 04/15/11, 05/19/11, 01/02/12, and 01/05/12. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sykotyk Posted June 19 Share Posted June 19 7 hours ago, Sodboy13 said: The West Texas Desert Hawks, who briefly exited the league due to a lawsuit from the NAL and then returned a couple days later, have folded following a 65-61 weekend win. The league now stands at eight teams after eight weeks, which works out to one team going under every week of the season on average. I've seen last man standing contests but never seen a league operate one. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrutigerAero Posted June 20 Share Posted June 20 It's kinda crazy to think that lots of the most famous leagues in America, like the National League, American League, or the NFL, were maybe like this one at some point, at least for a little bit. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GDAWG Posted June 26 Share Posted June 26 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dilbert Posted June 27 Share Posted June 27 The Arena Bowl venue has been announced. They will literally be playing the game at a mall. The Rink at American Dream in East Rutherford. https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/33rd-afl-arenabowl-championship-game-to-take-place-at-the-american-dream-center-new-jersey/n-6115333 1 1 Quote Signature intentionally left blank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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