Bob Landsee explains current state of the Blizzard
If the Green Bay Blizzard can find two new investors, they’ll likely be one of the teams to compete in the new AF1 league next season.
The indoor football team has until Oct. 10 to find the two investors, who collectively must kick in roughly $300,000 to make it a go. Bob Landsee, who is the Blizzard head coach and part owner, made the announcement at a news conference in Green Bay this morning.
The Blizzard hasn’t submitted an application for inclusion in the AF1 because of questions surrounding the team’s investors.
Audio: MP3 Bob Landsee explains current state of the Blizzard.
The current ownership of the Blizzard consists of three groups. There’s a Wausau group, a Green Bay group (including former Packers player and Blizzard coach Brian Noble and Landsee), as well as former NFL quarterback Dave Krieg.
If the team finds new financial backing, Landsee said the Blizzard would become members of the new AF1 next season. The new league would be set up in two tiers, (AF1 and AF2) and Green Bay would be in second tier.
Green Bay has played in af2 since its inception in 2003. Both levels have had financial difficulty, but Landsee said this new league has a structure in place that makes sense and is set up to succeed.
Audio: Bob Landsee describes some of financial layout of new AF1 :55
Even if investors are found, Landsee said he won’t likely coach the team. He has expressed interest in coaching at the top-tier level of AF1. But Landsee also said he wants to remain tied to Green Bay through an affiliation deal.
Audio Landsee says he wants his future to still have Green Bay in the picture :17
Since Landsee took over the Blizzard in 2005, they’ve made five straight playoff appearances. The Blizzard finished runner-up in the ArenaCup championship game in 2006.
If the team does fold, Blizzard officials say money has been set aside to refund individuals who have already purchased season tickets for next season.
