Detroit Safari
| Detroit Neon / Safari | |
| |
| Team history | 1994–1997 |
| Arena | The Palace of Auburn Hills 1994 – 1997 |
| Based in | Auburn Hills, Michigan |
| Colors | |
| Leagues | Continental Indoor Soccer League |
The Detroit Safari (founded as the Detroit Neon) was a member of the Continental Indoor Soccer League that played at The Palace of Auburn Hills.[1] Their owners, the Palace Sports Group were awarded a franchise on November 4, 1993. Their star player and unofficial coach (the CISL prohibited player-coaches) was experienced indoor player Andy Chapman.[2]
The name Detroit Neon was a reference to the
General Motors and they were named after the GMC Safari minivan.[3] The team folded along with the closing of the Continental Indoor Soccer League after the 1997 season.[4]
During the team's existence, some games (including all 1997 home games) were televised on
PASS Sports
. They led the league in attendance in their first season (1994) and never placed below fifth in league attendance for a season. During the five seasons that the Neon/Safari played, their average attendance was 6,232.
Ownership
Staff
Ron Campbell – General Manager (1994–97)
Head coaches
- Chris Keenan (1994)
- David B. Baker (1994)
Paul Child (1995–97)- Ian Fairbrother (1997)
References
- ^ "1997 CISL Preview". Los Angeles Times. June 20, 1997. p. C11. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
- ^ Langdon, Jerry (July 16, 1997). "Detroit Safari hunting for first win of season". USA Today. p. 16C. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
- ^ "Safari Soccer Launches New Relationship With GMC Safari; Unveiling Logo, Team Colors CISL Season to Begin June 13 at The Palace". The Auto Channel. May 28, 1997. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
- The McClatchy Company. December 24, 1997. p. 10. Retrieved January 21, 2013.