Update: The Salt Lake Stallions tweeted out a statement Wednesday afternoon saying the team was surprised at the sudden shutdown of the Alliance of American Football but thanked the community for its support.
The statement said the league decided to cease operations after eight weeks of regular season football.
The Stallions were 3-5 and tied with the San Diego Fleet for third place in the Western Conference. All three of the team’s wins came at Rice-Eccles Stadium, where the Stallions went 3-1 on the year.
Salt Lake was scheduled to play at Atlanta on April 7 and finish the season at home against San Antonio on April 12.
The team’s full statement is included below.
Original story continues below.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Alliance of American Football is suspending operations and will not complete the 2019 season.
“I am extremely disappointed to learn Tom Dundon has decided to suspend all football operations of the Alliance of American Football,” said league co-founder Bill Polian in a statement.
The abrupt decision means the Salt Lake Stallions will not play the final two games of their season, including a home game that was scheduled for Friday, April 12.
Stallion players were summoned to a meeting at a hotel in South Jordan where they learned their services were no longer needed.
A FOX 13 reporter approached several players as they exited the hotel and asked, “do you still play for the Stallions?”
The players responded, “not anymore” before they got into a car and drove away.
When asked for a comment, a team spokesperson replied with an email that said, “we are aware of the report out there and will circle back shortly.”
That was the last communication FOX 13 received from the team.
According to attendance figures, the Stallions averaged about 9,000 fans per game.
People who regularly attended the games said the crowds often looked much smaller.
Salt Lake was the only cold-weather city in the 8-team league.
The league debuted in early February. The Stallions owned a 3-5 record and were still alive for a playoff spot.
It is unclear if fans who hold tickets for the canceled games will receive a refund.
