Fairbanks Grizzlies suspend operations
by Bob Eley/beley@newsminer.com
Oct 08, 2011 | 3876 views | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend | print
FAIRBANKS—The next time Fairbanks football fans will be able to see the Grizzlies in action is 2013, at the earliest.

The Grizzlies announced Friday, in a four-paragraph press release, they will be dormant for the 2012 Indoor Football League season.

The Grizzlies won the Intense Conference Pacific Division championship in June, but lost in the second round to the Allen (Texas) Wranglers.

While not giving a specific reason for suspending operations for the 2012 season, the Grizzlies struggled financially throughout the 2011 season.

During the next year, the Grizzlies plan to restructure the organization with the hopes of fielding a team in 2013, the press release said.

The press release stated almost all of the season ticket holders have been contacted regarding refunds of deposits and tickets for the 2012 season.

“We have spent many hours trying to come up with a solution that would allow us to play in 2012,” said Grizzlies owner Ricky Bertz, who did not list himself as co-owner of the team as he has done in previous press releases.

“Unfortunately at this time, our only solution is to go dark for the season, and work to come out stronger for 2013,” Bertz said.

Bertz said any season ticket holders or corporate partners who have not gotten a refund, or would like more information about the team’s decision should contact the Grizzlies front office at 452-5123. Staff members will be available to assist in the refund process, Bertz said.

No other information was available on Friday evening.

Contact the News-Miner sports department at 459-7581.
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