NASL NOTEBOOK: League Suspends Operation of Atlanta Silverbacks
NEW YORK - The North American Soccer League (NASL) announced Monday that it has suspended its operation of the Atlanta Silverbacks for the 2016 season and possibly beyond.
"The goal all along has been to secure committed local ownership in Atlanta, but despite significant conversations with a number of interested parties, we were unable to identify a group that could lead the Silverbacks in a direction consistent with the rest of our clubs," said NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson. "It's unfortunate, and particularly sad for the Silverbacks' passionate fan base, which has supported the club tremendously throughout the years."
Originally founded in 1998, the Silverbacks joined the NASL for its inaugural season in 2011, and were operated by the league last season while it searched for a long-term local ownership group.
Silverbacks President and General Manager Andy Smith, who had been with the club for four of its five NASL seasons, took a moment Monday to speak on behalf of the organization.
The NASL will kick off its sixth season this April, and the 2016 schedule will feature three new clubs: Miami FC, Puerto Rico FC, and Rayo OKC.
ARMADA HOSTS SEAT SELECTION - For the next two Saturdays, the Jacksonville Armada FC will host a pair of Select-Your-Seat events where fans can come out to Community First Park at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville and pick their exact seat location for 2016.
At both events, fans can also meet Armada players and get their favorite club gear signed as well as enjoy English Premier League soccer on the stadium’s videoboard. Those in attendance will also have a chance to win special prizes.
This Saturday, 2015 Armada FC season ticket members will have exclusive park access from 10-11 a.m. and from 11-2 p.m., it will open to the general public.
On Saturday, Jan. 23, the event will be open to the general public from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Parking for both events will be free in Lot P.
Season tickets start at $10 per match, and payments can be spread out over time with interest-free payment plans. To RSVP for the event, call 1.844.2.ARMADA or visit armadafc.com/select-your-seat.
"The goal all along has been to secure committed local ownership in Atlanta, but despite significant conversations with a number of interested parties, we were unable to identify a group that could lead the Silverbacks in a direction consistent with the rest of our clubs," said NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson. "It's unfortunate, and particularly sad for the Silverbacks' passionate fan base, which has supported the club tremendously throughout the years."
Originally founded in 1998, the Silverbacks joined the NASL for its inaugural season in 2011, and were operated by the league last season while it searched for a long-term local ownership group.
Silverbacks President and General Manager Andy Smith, who had been with the club for four of its five NASL seasons, took a moment Monday to speak on behalf of the organization.
The NASL will kick off its sixth season this April, and the 2016 schedule will feature three new clubs: Miami FC, Puerto Rico FC, and Rayo OKC.
ARMADA HOSTS SEAT SELECTION - For the next two Saturdays, the Jacksonville Armada FC will host a pair of Select-Your-Seat events where fans can come out to Community First Park at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville and pick their exact seat location for 2016.
At both events, fans can also meet Armada players and get their favorite club gear signed as well as enjoy English Premier League soccer on the stadium’s videoboard. Those in attendance will also have a chance to win special prizes.
This Saturday, 2015 Armada FC season ticket members will have exclusive park access from 10-11 a.m. and from 11-2 p.m., it will open to the general public.
On Saturday, Jan. 23, the event will be open to the general public from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Parking for both events will be free in Lot P.
Season tickets start at $10 per match, and payments can be spread out over time with interest-free payment plans. To RSVP for the event, call 1.844.2.ARMADA or visit armadafc.com/select-your-seat.
--MIKE BONTS
