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Lansing Ignite FC’s Future in Question

Lansing Ignite logo

Questions are surrounding the status of USL League One’s Lansing Ignite FC, although the club has yet to confirm its future plans.

Lansing Ignite began play at the start of Division III USL League One’s inaugural season this spring, staging home matches at downtown Lansing’s Cooley Law School Stadium. The club is backed by owner Tom Dickson, who also owns Cooley Law School Stadium’s Minor League Baseball tenant, the Lansing Lugnuts (Low A; Midwest).

After a season in which the club averaged just under 2,800 fans per home-match, questions are being raised about whether it will return to play in 2020. A social media post by one of the Ignite’s players on Monday seemed to indicate that the Ignite will not return next season, but team officials are not confirming that that is the case. For now, the club is holding off on making any updates until after the conclusion of this weekend’s USL League One final, according to team president Nick Grueser. More from the Lansing State Journal:

But if a decision about next season has been made, the team’s front office isn’t acknowledging it at this time.

In a statement to the State Journal on Monday, Grueser said, “We are incredibly appreciative of the support shown for our club this season, however, no further updates on the club will be available until the conclusion of the 2019 League One season. We wish both North Texas SC and Greenville Triumph best of luck in this weekend’s Final.”…

While Grueser said no official update would be given until after Saturday’s league championship match, at least one player’s social media account seemed to indicate a decision has been made. In an Instagram Stories post from Monday afternoon, Ignite midfielder Marshall Hollingsworth is holding a tifo with the caption, “Hell of a last season. Wasn’t enough to save the club so hit the boys up for contracts because they’re all free agents and deserve it. Thanks to each of you.”

The Ignite’s owner is Tom Dickson, who also owns the Lansing Lugnuts. Cooley Law School Stadium, which is where the team plays downtown, is owned by the City of Lansing. The licensing agreement between the club and the city to play in the stadium is a five-year deal.

Per our USL League One regular-season attendance figures, Lansing averaged 2,788 fans per-game in 2019, good for third in the 10-team circuit.

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August Publications