There will be no Tucson Sugar Skulls season in 2020.
On Monday afternoon, the Indoor Football League has cancelled the 2020 season due to health concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
The season, which began the weekend of March 7 with two games, was postponed on March 12 while the league continued to monitor the situation regarding the pandemic that has halted all sports seasons in the U.S. and abroad.
Midweek last week, Tucson Sugar Skulls co-owner Kevin Guy told my radio show “Eye on the Ball” that owners had been in talks about season alternatives, including pushing back the schedule into August. That, now, is off the table.
In making the decision to cancel the season, the health and safety of everyone involved – players, coaches, staff and fans – remains the No. 1 priority.
“Because there are so many critical unknowns that are out of our control, we feel, as a league, we would be best serving the health and stability of the IFL community by taking a proactive approach and focusing our talents and our resources toward preparing for a breakout 2021 season,” IFL Commissioner Todd Tryon said in a new release issued by the league. “The health and safety of our players, coaches, staff, and fans is our top concern.”
The IFL’s Board of Directors also approved a motion for an extended 16-game schedule for the 2021 season.
“Obviously, this is a very disappointing day for the league and our fans.” said Sugar Skulls Owner Cathy Guy said via a press release. “The owners arrived at this decision in the best interests of all parties. The uncertainty of a definite timeline to reopen public venues has forced us to take this action.
“With this decision made, we turn our focus toward the 2021 season. We are looking into avenues for providing our partners added value for their sponsorship and ticket purchases. Increasing our regular season schedule to 16 games is one way we want to do that. Our goal remains the same, and that is to continue providing great sports entertainment value to the Tucson community. We need Tucson’s support to make that happen.”
The Sugar Skulls want to assure fans that all ticket purchases will be honored. Sugar Skulls players, almost all of whom had remained in Tucson, are being notified by the coaching staff.
This was to be the Sugar Skulls’ second season in the IFL with prospects for an exciting campaign under new head coach Dixie Wooten. The Sugar Skulls were wrapping up preseason camp in preparation for their March 19 opener at the Cedar Rapids River Kings when the season was postponed.
The Tucson Sugar Skulls media relations office provided the information for this story. Tune into Steve’s radio show “Eye on the Ball” weekdays from 6-7 p.m. on KVOI.com 1030The Voice.
