After three seasons in Youngstown, the Mahoning Valley Thunder announced today they will not be back next year. The af2 franchise will suspend operations indefinitely, citing a poor economic climate as the reason why. The official press release reads as follows...
"It is with heartfelt regret that the Thunder organization announces it will suspend operations indefinitley effective September 9th, 2009. We would like to share our deepest thanks and appreciation to those loyal fans and Corporate Partners that offered their support throughout the past three seasons, as well as the dedicated staff of professionals within the Thunder organization, the Thunder Foundation, the Covelli Centre, the City of Youngstown, and the af2.
As a community based project, the impact of the current economic conditions within the valley and throughout the nation have provided an atmosphere that is not conducive to the success of arena football in the Mahoning Valley at this time. As such, upon fulfillment of our initial commitments to the Covelli Centre and the af2 we have elected to cease operation and direct our attention back to other community interests.
Additionally, the organization would like to personally thank every Thunder fan that ever bought a ticket, committed to a corporate partnership, or donated their time toward the success of the Thunder, what it stood for and what it gave back to the community.
Lastly, we would like to wish the Covelli Centre and the City of Youngstown continued success."
The Mahoning Valley Thunder played three seasons in Youngstown and won 12 games during that span.
