By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – As Bloomington’s indoor football team gears up for its 12th season, its new general manager is setting some ambitious goals.
Charles Welde said the Edge’s goal is always to win a championship as it competes in the Champions Indoor Football League. Off the field, Welde said the goal is to increase attendance to 1,500 fans per game.
“I think it’s kind of aggressive, but at the same time with some of the initiatives that we are rolling out, especially schools and companies in the area, it’s a very attainable goal,” Welde said. “That’s the big thing, what I call BIS – Butts in Seats.”
The league’s website showed the Edge averaged 346 fans per home game, the lowest among 14 teams.
“We are just trying to get them out, get them involved, find ways to get them into the stadium,” Welde said. “We feel like we get them here one time, they are going to have such a great experience they are going to come back.”
Welde has worked in the front office for an indoor football team in Oklahoma and has had several coaching stints.
“We are thrilled to add someone of Charles’ experience and talent to our front office. He has a unique blend of skill sets that is rarely found and much less available,” said Edge CEO Omar Khokhar.
The regular season opener in March 3 against the West Michigan Ironmen at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. The Edge will host an exhibition game on Feb. 26.
The Edge will be hosting a non-profit open house on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at U.S. Cellular Coliseum to showcase the ways the Edge can support those agencies.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
