The New Orleans VooDoo
The New Orleans VooDoo was a professional arena football team that played in the Arena Football League (AFL) from 2004 to 2008 and then from 2011 to 2015. The team was named after the voodoo religion that has its roots in New Orleans. The VooDoo played their home games at the Smoothie King Center, previously known as the New Orleans Arena.
The Origins of Arena Football
Arena football is a variation of American football that is played indoors on a smaller field with fewer players. It was first developed in the 1980s by Jim Foster, who wanted to create a fast-paced, high-scoring game that could be played in smaller venues. The AFL was founded in 1987 and grew to have teams in cities across the United States and even some in Canada.
The First Franchise in New Orleans
New Orleans was awarded its first AFL franchise in 1991, called the New Orleans Night. The Night played for three seasons before folding due to financial difficulties. The city then went without an AFL team until the VooDoo was established.
The Formation of the VooDoo
The VooDoo was announced as an expansion team in the AFL in 2003 and began play in 2004. The team was owned by businessman and sports executive Tom Benson, who also owned the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. The VooDoo’s head coach for their first three seasons was Mike Neu.
The Inaugural Season
The VooDoo’s inaugural season in 2004 was a success on the field, as they finished with an 11-5 record and made the playoffs. However, the team struggled to draw fans to their games, with average attendance around 12,000. Despite this, the VooDoo continued to play in New Orleans and improve on the field in the coming years.
The VooDoo’s Early Years
In the VooDoo’s second season in 2005, they finished with a 10-6 record and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. The team saw a slight increase in attendance, but still struggled to draw fans compared to other AFL teams. In 2006, the VooDoo posted a disappointing 3-13 record but bounced back in 2007 with a 10-6 record and another playoff appearance.
ArenaBowl XXII Appearance
The VooDoo’s most successful season came in 2008 when they made it all the way to ArenaBowl XXII, the championship game of the AFL. However, they lost to the Philadelphia Soul and finished as runners-up. Despite the success on the field, the VooDoo continued to struggle financially and were forced to suspend operations after the 2008 season due to Hurricane Katrina and the economic downturn.
The Team’s Final Seasons
The VooDoo returned to the AFL in 2011 and played for five more seasons before folding permanently after the 2015 season. During this time, the team saw a decline in on-field success and continued to struggle with attendance and financial issues.
Why The VooDoo Folded
The VooDoo’s financial struggles were the primary reason for their eventual folding. The team had difficulty drawing fans despite playing in a major sports market and were unable to secure a stable ownership group. The high cost of operating a professional sports team also played a role in their demise.
The Legacy of the New Orleans VooDoo
The VooDoo may not have been a long-lasting or dominant franchise in the AFL, but they were a memorable one. The team embraced the city’s voodoo culture and created a unique brand that resonated with their fans. The VooDoo also provided an opportunity for local players and coaches to showcase their skills on a national stage.
Revival and Possible Return
There have been talks of a potential revival of the VooDoo in recent years, but nothing has come to fruition yet. The city of New Orleans remains a viable market for arena football, and the VooDoo brand still holds some nostalgic value for fans.
Conclusion: Remembering the VooDoo
The New Orleans VooDoo may no longer exist, but their impact on the city’s sports scene and the arena football world cannot be overlooked. They provided entertainment, excitement, and a unique cultural experience for their fans during their brief existence. The VooDoo will always be remembered as a part of New Orleans’ rich and diverse history.
