SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) -FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 25 YEARS THERE WILL BE NO FOOTBALL FOR THE SIOUX FALLS STORM. THEY WILL BE INACTIVE AFTER THE PREMIER CENTER DOES NOT OFFER A LEASE.

THE TEAM HAS EXPLORED ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS… BUT WAS UNABLE TO FINALIZE A SUITABLE LOCATION IN TIME FOR THE NEXT SEASON… WHICH STARTS IN MARCH.

IN A STATEMENT, STORM OWNER AND TEAM PRESIDENT AMBER GARRY SAID THE ORGANIZATION IS DISAPPOINTED BY THE SITUATION AND SAD TO BE LEAVING… AND ADDED THAT THEIR COMMITMENT TO STORM NATION REMAINS UNSHAKEABLE.

AND IFL COMMISSIONER AND FORMER STORM OWNER TODD TRYON IS HOPEFUL TO FIND A SOLUTION AND WE CAN ALL WITNESS THE STORY OF STORM SIOUX FALLS’ RETURN IN 2026.

Former Storm owner/IFL commissioner Todd Tryon says: “Our league has evolved into a legitimate professional league, which means you need a legitimate professional stadium. That’s what they had and my hope is that the right people will pay attention. “That a contract can be established that is good for everyone.”

Mike Krewson, general manager of the Premier Center, says: “There will always be some headaches. For those die-hard fans, you know what? I wish it had worked. I really do. And I don’t know if there will be an opportunity in the future. And again, I’m open to discussion.”

THE STORM HAS CALLED DENNY HOME SINCE 2015, WHEN THEY MOVED OUT OF THE SIOUX FALLS ARENA, WHICH WAS ALSO A CONSIDERATION. BUT IT REQUIRES NEW GRASS AND MAJOR RENOVATIONS.

THE STORM HAD BEEN WORKING WITH MIDCO ARENA AND WAS NEAR. BUT THE SEATS ARE TOO HIGH RELATION TO THE BOARDS, CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE FOR PLAYERS AND FANS.

Copyright 2024 Dakota News now. All rights reserved.