Soul Will Issue Refunds to Season Ticketholders

By KERITH GABRIEL
Philadelphia Daily News

The cancellation was pending an agreement from the players union. Players union representatives held a conference call last night.

"We haven't supported that move; then again, I don't think they need our approval," said Soul receiver Chris Jackson, a key member of the players association. "They are the owners and if they say we don't play, we don't play."

Jackson said the union was seeking assurances that the league would return in 2010.

"Every owner is committed to coming back in 2010," Renacci said.

The Soul, part of the league since 2004, is coming off a championship season that attracted a large following - average attendance of 16,477, according to the team - as well as sizable season-ticket sales for 2009.

"We, the owners of the Arena Football League, realize we have the most fan-friendly, affordable and accessible sport anywhere," said Soul co-owner Jon Bon Jovi in the statement. "These are trying economic times. The revamping will ensure that the AFL continues to provide value to its fans and not only survives but thrives in the years to come."

The Soul intends to issue refunds, going as far as to contact each season ticket holder to apologize as well as posting a "frequently asked questions" page regarding the cancellation on its Web site.

A team source said layoffs are "imminent" as the plummeting economy and a lack of real work with the league "on pause" will affect front-office personnel.

"We have a very talented group of associates, and we are sorry to see them go, but we look forward to the opportunity to work with many of them again next season," acting general manger Paul Korzilius said.

Jackson said this is a tough time for players who will forego a paycheck since there is no supplemental income while the league breaks down and restructures.

Commitment-wise, the Soul still has plans to continue work in the community though its Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, which helps impoverished families and the homeless. But the 131,817 fans the Soul drew last season, who were promised a free concert by Bon Jovi after the Soul defeated the San Jose SaberCats in ArenaBowl XXII, may have to wait.

"As far as that [concert] is concerned, I couldn't even tell you because I don't think we know," said a Soul representative. "But we do promise that when we know, so will our fans."

~ Hath