Tampa Bay Storm Suspends Operations For 2018

TAMPA, FL - The Tampa Bay Storm has suspended operations and will not field a team in 2018, Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment announced Thursday. Rising league costs and reduced league revenues forced the organization to re-evaluate the team’s financial situation and its continued operation in a shrinking Arena Football League, Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment officials said in a press release.

"We have informed League Commissioner Scott Butera, and the remaining members of the Arena Football League, that we will not operate a franchise in 2018," said Steve Griggs, chief executive officer of Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment. "This was not an easy decision, but after deep consideration, evaluation and introspection, we have elected to reallocate the resources dedicated to arena football for other uses within our organization, including the growth of Tampa Bay Entertainment Properties.”

Because of its tradition, history and strong fan base, the organization will explore future opportunities in a stronger, reinvented Arena Football League at the appropriate time, the organization said. The Storm has won five Arena Bowl Championships in its history.

“We are eternally grateful to the Storm fans, current and former players, our sponsorship partners and the Tampa Bay community for their continued support during the team’s 26 years of operation in Tampa Bay,” said Griggs. “We are proud of the five Arena Bowl Championships they all earned throughout our history.”

The Storm made Tampa Bay its home in 1991 and became one of the most dominant teams in Arena Football League history, setting league records in attendance, wins and championships. Prior to the start of the 2011 season, the team was purchased by Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Derrick Brooks was named team president shortly thereafter.

“We would like to thank Derrick Brooks and his football operations staff for their hard work and dedication to the Tampa Bay Storm,” said Griggs. “Since joining the organization as team president in 2011, Derrick ran the franchise with pride, integrity and honesty. We are pleased that he will remain with the organization in a new role, making a continued contribution to our businesses.”

The company’s decision to suspend operations will open key dates in the spring and summer of 2018 and Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment officials said they will work to fill those dates at Amalie Arena with other events, concerts and family shows.

Storm season ticket holders will be contacted to discuss options for any monies currently being retained by the organization against season tickets for the 2018 season, according to the press release.

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