2020 IDAHO HORSEMEN SEASON UPDATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

USE AS DESIRED

5/3/2020 

2020 IDAHO HORSEMEN SEASON UPDATE

Nampa ID - The Idaho Horsemen Professional Football Organization would like to update our fans and the community on the status of the team, given the current restrictions imposed on sports activities and public gatherings due to COVID-19.

On March 12th the American West Football Conference made the decision to postpone the season.  On March 13th the City of Nampa placed a resolution on mass gatherings, and as of  March 25th, Governor Brad Little put a statewide stay-at-home order in place to lower the curve of the COVID-19 virus.   When this order was put in place, our players were already in camp, and we were actively building our 2020 roster.  We had players from out-of-state, as well as local players vying for a spot on the team, and we were only a few weeks away from kickoff at the Ford Idaho Center. 

While the season is currently “on pause” we hope to be able to move ahead with our 2020 season as planned, but perhaps on a slightly delayed timeline. More will become known in the weeks ahead as the country begins to safely open up and ease (or alter) restrictions. 

Our immediate plan is to continue to build the team along with the other American Western Football Conference (AWFC) teams. However, we are still in the middle of a public health situation, and it’s impossible to predict the future--as the implications from the COVID-19 virus (and resulting restrictions and public orders) are still unknown. 

But we are optimistic, so we will continue to work toward normalcy. The good news is, because our league is small we can push the start of the season back, and we are grateful to the Ford Idaho Center for their cooperation, understanding, and flexibility. Each team has committed to six home games and if we can, we will kick off in July. If we have to wait and kick off later in the summer, we will do that.

Thankfully, our large space will allow us to safely “socially distance” our fans if specific density restrictions are imposed as the economy begins to reopen. However, this is still largely unknown. We are collaborating with the Ford Idaho Center on a proposal that will outline safety measures on how we could safely operate and play,  but the ultimate decision will lie with state and public health authorities. 

If and when we are able to play, we plan to keep our fans safe by coordinating with the City of Nampa and Ford Idaho Center: We do respect the decisions of people who choose not to attend. We also respect those who want and need a safe return to normalcy.

We will continue to work through this difficult time while responsibly following state guidelines.  (We also have to bear in mind our Washington State team may have  different protocols to follow in the coming months, which could affect our league schedule.)

If we are forced to cancel the season we will have to reimburse many fans and many sponsors. 

As much of our funding has already been spent to prepare for this season,  postponing until 2021 would mean starting from the ground up. Not an impossible feat--thanks to the support we’ve seen from the community--but certainly a difficult one for a small organization like ours. 

As a new business, it takes a lot of support to keep our team going and we are especially grateful for your belief in what we are doing. Our team has relied on the commitment from our community, fans, and sponsors, and their (your!) desire to bring  sports entertainment to the Treasure Valley. 

The success of our 1st season is all due to your belief in us.  It is because of you that we were able to kick start a brand new team in a new market, purchase all the equipment and supplies, secure a venue, and end the season 13-0, to win the 1st ever AWFC Championship.

We would like to thank our fans and sponsors for staying with us. Sports are a critical part of the American social landscape--bringing together people from all backgrounds, races,  cultures, and communities. We want to carry that sense of purpose and togetherness forward. We think now more than ever we need a strong sense of community. 

Now some good news!

We would also like to announce that we have been in communication with Sam Adams, former Seattle Seahawks/Baltimore Raven player and owner of the Indoor Football League (IFL’s) Spokane Shock. We are having ongoing discussions about the Horsemen playing the 3-Time Indoor football Champion.. The Idaho Horsemen look forward to the challenge of playing such a high caliber team.

We are continuing to work together with the Yakima Canines, Wenatchee Valley Skyhawks, the Tri-City Rage, and now the Spokane Shock to keep indoor football in the northwest alive in 2020 and beyond.

Questions about tickets?

We have had a few questions about the season and tickets. The majority of our season ticket holders just want us to play, which is awesome. A few have concerns on what happens if we don't. All single game tickets will be refunded through ictickets.com

All season ticket holders will be able to hold onto the seats for the 2021 season. If you already have 2021 tickets, you will receive the same seats for the 2022 season. 

Questions about sponsorship?

We would like to ask our sponsors to stay with us for the next season. If we are unable to play this season, we will continue to market your business alongside the team this year in new and innovative ways. Please contact 208-546-9211 for information on your sponsorship package.