ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Orlando Predators announced Wednesday afternoon its team has folded. The Predators blamed the reduced number of teams remaining in the Arena Football League, as well as pending disagreements with the League.
Channel 9's Sports Anchor Joe Kepner reported Wednesday the team planned on holding open tryouts Oct. 22 but then learned the team was folding.
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Rep from Westgate (owners of Preds) confirms @ORLPredators is folding. Official announcement is expected soon. #ArenaFootball
— Joe Kepner (@JKepnerWFTV) October 12, 2016
The Predators organization thanked fans for their support.
A season ticket holder told Eyewitness News that he has already paid $800 for the 2017 season.
"It's a great entertainment. It's so disappointing to hear it's not going to be around again," Predator fan Jackie Hansen said.
The Predators said it would offer full refunds to fans and sponsors.
The Orlando Predators have been around since 1991.
Read the full statement below:
The Orlando Predators have chosen to suspend team operations today due to the reduced number of teams remaining in the Arena Football League as well as pending disagreements with the League. Over the course of the past several years, we have focused on building and growing our winning franchise, despite significant issues at the league level that have impaired our ability to be successful.
We want to thank all Orlando Predators fans whose support during our ownership was the sole driving force behind all of our efforts. We also want to thank our loyal season ticket holders, our incredible sponsors, the Amway Center and its amazing staff, as well as the Orlando Magic for their partnership. We also owe a tremendous appreciation to our first-class coaching staff led by Head Coach Rob Keefe, our front office and all of the dedicated men and women who have been a part of this organization for the past two-and-a-half decades.
All Predators fans and sponsors who have paid funds toward the 2017 season will receive full refunds of monies they have paid within the next several weeks. We kindly ask for patience as we work through and ensure everyone receives back the funds they have paid.
Sincerely,
The Orlando Predators Organization
The city of Orlando also released a statement Wednesday:
"The City of Orlando has been proud to host the Predators in our Amway Center and would welcome any opportunity in the future to do so. They have not only been a great asset to our community in helping us provide an array of entertainment and sporting options for our residents, but they have also been a generous partner in giving back to the Central Florida area and investing in our residents."
Cox Media Group
