Northwest Notes April 14, 2020

Shock still plans to play after IFL cancels rest of 2020 season

The Indoor Football League canceled the rest of its 2020 season on Monday, citing the coronavirus pandemic, but that doesn’t appear to be stopping the Spokane Shock from taking the field in its attempt to return to indoor football.

The Indoor Football League, America’s longest running professional indoor football league, announced Monday that it has canceled the remaining games of the 2020 season due to the many unknowns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of definitive information as to when states will begin to lift stay-home mandates and again allow large gatherings such as sporting events.

“This is a decision we take very seriously, and it comes as a result of extended, thoughtful discussion among our Board of Directors,” said IFL Commissioner Todd Tryon. “Because there are so many critical unknowns that are out of our control, we feel as a league we would be best serving the health and stability of the IFL community by taking a proactive approach and focusing our talents and our resources toward preparing for a breakout 2021 season. The health and safety of our players, coaches, staff, and fans is our top concern.”

However, the Shock said it still plans to play some games against other IFL teams, even though there is no league this year.

“Despite this cancellation, we’re also looking forward to playing seven to 10 games this year in Spokane, once the Governor (Jay Inslee) gives us the green light,” Shock owner Sam Adams said in a statement.

Only two games had been played before the league suspended operations.

The Shock had yet to play their season opener.

The IFL’s Board of Directors also on Monday approved an extended 16-game schedule for the 2021 season to add additional value for season ticket holders and sponsors.

Among the many issues also facing the IFL in determining the feasibility of continuing the 2020 season include the difficulties to develop a modified schedule once arenas re-open, the amount of time needed for our players to safely regain playing form after not being able to train during this time, and the amount of time needed to allow teams to properly prepare for a relaunch once staff is allowed to return to their offices.

Policies regarding season tickets and other ticket purchases, along with how teams will handle corporate sponsorships for 2020, are being made on a team-by-team basis.

Information: thespokaneshock.com

— From news services