What Is 2011 New Orleans VooDoo football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 New Orleans VooDoo was an Arena Football League (AFL) team based in New Orleans, Louisiana, playing its home games at the Smoothie King Center. The team finished the 2011 season with a 10–8 record under head coach Pat O'Hara and made the playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the American Conference.

Key Facts

The 2011 New Orleans VooDoo finished with a 10–8 regular season record
Head coach Pat O'Hara led the team during the 2011 season
Played home games at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans
Qualified for the 2011 playoffs as the American Conference’s No. 6 seed
The VooDoo defeated the Tampa Bay Storm 56–49 in their final regular-season game

Overview

The 2011 New Orleans VooDoo season marked the team’s return to the Arena Football League after a two-year hiatus due to financial instability and league restructuring. Reinstated in 2010, the VooDoo continued building momentum in 2011 under head coach Pat O'Hara, aiming to establish a consistent presence in the competitive AFL landscape.

Playing their home games at the Smoothie King Center, the team showcased a balanced offense and improved defense compared to previous seasons. The 2011 campaign was notable for the VooDoo securing a playoff berth, reflecting progress after years of rebuilding.

Record: The VooDoo finished the 2011 regular season with a 10–8 win-loss record, a marked improvement from their 2010 performance.
Playoff Qualification: They earned a postseason spot as the No. 6 seed in the American Conference, marking their first playoff appearance since returning from hiatus.
Final Game: The team defeated the Tampa Bay Storm 56–49 in their final regular-season game, a crucial win that secured their playoff position.
Head Coach:Pat O'Hara served as head coach, bringing stability and offensive strategy to the team after joining in 2010.
Home Venue: All home games were played at the Smoothie King Center, which has a capacity of approximately 17,000 for arena football events.

How It Works

The Arena Football League operates under unique rules that differentiate it from outdoor football, emphasizing speed, scoring, and fan engagement. The 2011 VooDoo season exemplified how teams adapted to these fast-paced conditions, relying on quick passing, aggressive defense, and specialized rosters.

Field Size:Arena football is played on a 50-yard field, half the length of an NFL field, which increases scoring opportunities and game pace.
Wall Play:Rebound nets surround the field, allowing the ball to remain in play after hitting the nets, encouraging continuous action.
Eight Players: Each team fields eight players at a time, compared to eleven in traditional football, leading to more open space and faster plays.
Passing Emphasis: The AFL's rules favor the pass, with over 70% of plays being passing attempts league-wide in 2011.
Time Limits: Games feature 30-second play clocks, accelerating the tempo and reducing downtime between plays.
Special Teams: Kickoffs are taken from the scoring team’s 5-yard line, and onside kicks are automatic after every score, increasing turnover chances.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2011 New Orleans VooDoo to other AFL teams highlights their mid-tier performance and playoff competitiveness.

Team	Record	Playoff Result	Points For	Points Against
New Orleans VooDoo	10–8	Lost in Round 1	986	942
Arizona Rattlers	14–4	Lost in Semifinals	1,120	890
Jacksonville Sharks	13–5	Won ArenaBowl XXIV	1,201	910
Spokane Shock	12–6	Lost in Semifinals	1,078	935
Tampa Bay Storm	9–9	Did not qualify	950	978

The VooDoo ranked in the middle of the pack in both offensive output and defensive performance. While they scored 986 points, slightly above average, their defense allowed 942 points, indicating room for improvement. Their early playoff exit underscored the gap between them and top-tier AFL teams.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season was pivotal for the VooDoo as it demonstrated the team’s potential to remain competitive in the AFL, especially in a city passionate about football.

Revival Symbol: The 2011 season represented a symbolic revival of professional indoor football in New Orleans after financial setbacks.
Local Engagement: The VooDoo attracted an average attendance of 8,500 fans per game, helping reestablish a local fanbase.
Player Development: Several players, including QB Chris Dixon, gained national exposure, boosting their careers.
Media Exposure: Games were broadcast on ESPN3 and local radio, increasing regional visibility for the AFL.
Competition Benchmark: The playoff appearance set a performance benchmark for future VooDoo seasons.
Economic Impact: Home games contributed an estimated $1.2 million annually to the local economy through ticket sales and concessions.

The 2011 campaign ultimately laid the groundwork for continued operations, though the franchise eventually ceased operations in 2015 due to ongoing financial challenges. Nevertheless, the season remains a highlight in the team’s modern history.