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 (originally 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 Dodge Neon and came from a sponsorship from the Chrysler Corporation like fellow Palace Sports team the IHL Detroit Vipers. In 1997 the naming rights were sold to 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
Head coaches
- Chris Keenan (1994)
- David B. Baker (1994)
- Paul Child (1995–97)
Former players
- Steve Kinsey (1994–95)
- Colin Jex (1994–97)
- Albert Marko (1996–97)
- Andy Chapman (1994–97)
- Ian Fairbrother (1994–97)
- Andy Wagstaff (1995–97)
- Ken Snow (1995–97)
- Scott Weiger (1994–97)
- Joey Kirk (1996–97)
- Victor Quni (1995)
- Drago (1994–96)
- Chris McInally (1994)
References
- Association football clubs established in 1993
- Association football clubs disestablished in 1997
- Defunct indoor soccer clubs in the United States
- Continental Indoor Soccer League teams
- Soccer clubs in Detroit, Michigan
- Michigan soccer clubs
- Sports in Auburn Hills, Michigan
- Sports in Oakland County, Michigan
- 1993 establishments in Michigan
- 1997 disestablishments in Michigan