(PHOTO AND STORY: SPOKANE EMPIRE)
The Spokane Empire released the following statement Thursday July 12, 2017:
"We would like to thank the players, coaches, sponsors, fans and the entire Spokane Empire organization for another terrific season of professional indoor football. We came up short of our pre-season goals but it was not for a lack of effort.
When we took over the Spokane Shock franchise four years ago, we felt we could provide great family entertainment at an affordable price while putting a competitive team on the field for The Inland Northwest to enjoy for many years to come. When we made the decision to leave the challenged Arena Football League two years ago and join the Indoor Football League, we did so with the desire to become part of a league with a solid foundation and committed ownership groups which we believed would allow us to continue the effort to offer up affordable sports entertainment with a winning team on the field. With strong local support, we felt confident the business would thrive.
After much deliberation, we have made the decision not to play football for the 2018 season to allow ourselves time to explore our alternatives including identifying potential local partners who would like to join in the effort to continue indoor football in Spokane or an outright sale of the team. We will be refunding all 2018 season ticket deposits to the legion of faithful fans who continue to support the team.
To our current and former players, coaches and employees, thank you for your years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to Spokane indoor football.
And to all our passionate fans who continued to support the team and came out week after week, year after year, you were the backbone of the franchise. We thank you!
If you are interested in discussing partnership or ownership of the team please contact the Spokane Empire Office at info@spokaneempire.com or by calling 509-242-7464.
If you have any questions regarding season tickets payments or refunds please feel free to contact Empire Ticket Office at 509-242-7462."