By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com
Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley is at again.
He’s bringing indoor football to the Henderson Silver Knights arena that opens in 2022.
Foley is joining forces with Dollar Loan Center founder/CEO Chuck Brennan to buy an expansion franchise in the 14-year-old Indoor Football League. It will be the 18th team in the football league.
It makes financial sense because when you build a new arena, the goal is to generate as much programming and revenue as possible. The minor league Silver Knights, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights, will play in the new arena along with this new indoor football team. The Silver Knights currently play at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
Foley and the city of Henderson are building the $84 million, 6,000-seat arena at the site of the old Henderson Pavilion at Green Valley Parkway and Paseo Verde Parkway. It’s scheduled to be ready in spring 2022. The Golden Knights and the city are each paying $42 million to build the venue.
Foley, Brennan, IFL Commissioner Todd Tryon and City of Henderson Mayor Debra March will hold a press conference at the Dollar Loan Center arena construction site later today.
“Ever since the Golden Knights first arrived in Las Vegas, our community has surpassed all expectations to set a new standard as one of the best new markets in the sports world,” Foley said. “Our Indoor Football League franchise will reflect the qualities and culture created by the Golden Knights and the Silver Knights, while giving the place we’re proud to call home an all-new #VegasBorn team to support with passion and enthusiasm.”
More press release material: “Henderson is truly becoming a professional sports hub with the addition of an Indoor Football League franchise,” March said. “The City applauds the Golden Knights continued investment in Henderson, which not only enhances the entertainment value and recreational opportunities offered to residents at the Dollar Loan Center, but also benefits the many local businesses that support their teams.”
And Tryon: “Our league just got better today with the announcement of not only a great market in Vegas, but an even better ownership group. The IFL prides itself in attracting quality owners and Team Foley and Team Brennan sure fit that mold. We are looking forward to 2022 and the many ways this new franchise will contribute to our great league.”
And here’s Brennan: “Having the Indoor Football League call the Dollar Loan Center its home is the icing on the cake for this amazing project. Henderson has a new sports epicenter and it is at the intersection of Green Valley Parkway and Paseo Verde Parkway. Mary and I are thrilled to partner with Mr. Foley to create the most exciting fan experience in the IFL.”
The old Las Vegas Outlaws of the Arena Football League, financed by rocker Vince Neil, went out of business because of poor attendance six years ago. Local Realtor Justin Gannon offered an interesting connection between Brennan and the former Outlaws team: “Dollar Loan Center was a major partner of the Outlaws. Chuck Brennan is really good friends with Vince Neil so he saw arena football front and center.”
There has been also talk that Foley might get an indoor lacrosse team for the new Henderson arena.
Fans can place a $50 season ticket deposit by visiting www.vegasindoorfootball.com. Please note the season ticket deposits are refundable. Specific details regarding the team including, but not limited to, the team name, logo, ticket pricing and more will be confirmed at a later date.
The expansion franchise will begin play during the 2022 IFL regular season and call Dollar Loan Center home, joining the American Hockey League’s Henderson Silver Knights as new tenants. For more information, fans can follow Vegas IFL on Instagram (@vegasIFL), Twitter (@vegasIFL) and Facebook (@vegasIFL) or visit www.vegasindoorfootball.com.
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