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Media Kit: Archived Press Releases
Katrina Displaces Shell Shockers from Pan American to Muss Bertolino
March 16, 2006The New Orleans Shell Shockers will kick off their 2006 campaign at Muss Bertolino Stadium in Kenner. A pre-season friendly against Hattiesburg's William Carey College on Saturday March 25 at 7pm will launch a new era for soccer in Southern Louisiana.
Head Coach Kenny Farrell said today: ”I am very excited about going to Jefferson Parish and they have welcomed us with open arms. The people of Kenner have pledged their full support and I can't wait for the most important season in our history to begin.” The Shell Shockers had hoped to play all home games at Pan American in City Park and had offered to fund repairs to the storm-battered stadium. However almost seven months after Katrina there is still no running water or electricity at the facility. Kenny explained: “Just like hundreds of thousands of other New Orleans residents, we have been displaced. The hurricane devastated our home and there is no way it will be ready in time for our first match which is just 10 days away. Those inhabitants of Southern Louisiana who are struggling to rebuild their own homes don't need us to spell out just how tough things are right now.
”It is a league requirement that we play at night and we cannot guarantee the lights will be working when the official PDL season starts in a few weeks. But we may be able to host some late-summer games at Pan American and we'll continue to talk to City Park officials about the stadium's renovation.” Club President Michael Balluff praised Kenner officials who quickly agreed a deal with the outfit to use the 2,000-capacity venue at 620 West Esplanade Avenue. He said: “Just like the good neighbors we knew they were, council staff have been extremely generous and accommodating. This gives us a chance to target a new market and is a wonderful opportunity to expose the Shell Shockers to a larger regional audience.”
The Shell Shockers have also arranged games against the University of Mobile for Saturday April 1 and Christian Brothers on Saturday April 22 (both at 7pm) as they continue to build for the start of the upcoming official league campaign.