What Is 2013 New Orleans VooDoo football team

Overview

The 2013 New Orleans VooDoo represented New Orleans, Louisiana in the Arena Football League (AFL) during its final season of operation. The team competed in the South Division of the American Conference and struggled to maintain consistent performance on the field.

Despite a passionate fan base and efforts to revitalize the franchise after its 2011 return, the 2013 season marked the end of the VooDoo era. Ownership and league financial challenges ultimately led to the team’s dissolution after the season concluded.

• Record: The VooDoo finished the 2013 AFL regular season with a 6–12 win-loss record, placing them near the bottom of their division.
• Head Coach: Pat O'Hara served as head coach for the 2013 season, attempting to stabilize the team after inconsistent prior seasons.
• Home Venue: All home games were played at the Smoothie King Center, which provided a 16,000-seat indoor arena setup suitable for arena football.
• Season End: The team did not qualify for the playoffs, missing postseason contention for the second consecutive year.
• Final Season: After 2013, the franchise ceased operations, with the AFL citing financial instability and lack of viable ownership.

Season Performance

The 2013 campaign was marked by offensive bursts and defensive inconsistencies, typical of the high-scoring nature of arena football. Despite flashes of potential, the VooDoo failed to build momentum over a full season.

• Quarterback Play: Aaron Garcia started most games and threw for 3,741 yards and 77 touchdowns, but also had 17 interceptions, reflecting volatility.
• Receiving Leader: Jeron Harvey recorded 1,223 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns, emerging as the team’s top offensive weapon.
• Defensive Struggles: The VooDoo allowed an average of 62.3 points per game, one of the worst defensive marks in the 18-team league.
• Turnover Issues: The team committed 23 fumbles and threw 17 interceptions, contributing to their inability to close tight games.
• Division Standing: They finished fourth in the four-team South Division, behind the Jacksonville Sharks, Tampa Bay Storm, and Georgia Force.
• Notable Win: A 69–59 victory over the Tampa Bay Storm in July was one of the team’s most competitive performances of the season.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 New Orleans VooDoo and other key AFL teams in their division:

The VooDoo ranked near the bottom in both offensive efficiency and defensive reliability compared to division rivals. While they scored frequently, their inability to contain opponents ultimately doomed their playoff hopes.

Why It Matters

The 2013 New Orleans VooDoo season is significant as the final chapter in the franchise’s history, reflecting broader challenges facing the Arena Football League during that era. Its closure highlighted the difficulties of sustaining regional teams in a niche professional sports league.

• End of an Era: The folding of the VooDoo left New Orleans without a professional football team until the XFL’s return in 2023.
• League Instability: The AFL faced multiple franchise closures after 2013, signaling structural and financial weaknesses in the league model.
• Local Impact: The team had cultivated a loyal fan base, and its departure left a void in the city’s sports culture.
• Player Careers: Several VooDoo players moved on to other leagues, including the NFL and CFL, using the AFL as a developmental platform.
• Legacy: The VooDoo name and branding remain popular among collectors and fans of defunct sports teams.
• Revival Potential: As of 2024, there have been no serious efforts to revive the VooDoo, though fan interest persists online.

The 2013 season serves as a case study in the challenges of minor league sports sustainability, where passionate support often isn't enough to overcome financial and operational hurdles.