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Meadow Lemon, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of the Minnesota Monsters, and his legenday dad, Meadowlark.
I had a dream.
That phrase carries weight for me, not just because of the history tied to it, but because it describes a path that began long before I understood where it might lead.
I grew up traveling the world with my father, Meadowlark Lemon, the longtime star of the Harlem Globetrotters. I watched him turn arenas into shared experiences, places where joy, laughter and connection mattered as much as the game itself.
One memory still stands above the rest.
I was a kid sitting on the bench at Madison Square Garden when the announcer introduced Meadowlark Lemon. The ovation came instantly. Loud. Sustained. Powerful enough that it felt like the building was moving.
That moment changed me. It showed me what sports and live entertainment could be when done the right way. It planted a dream that has guided nearly every step of my life since.
I have been fortunate to coach, lead and help produce sports entertainment experiences in many of the same arenas I once visited as a child. No matter the role, I have always been chasing that same connection, the bond between athletes and fans that only live sports can create.
That journey has now brought me to Duluth.
I am proud to join owner Jacob Lambert and head coach Daron Clark as the Minnesota Monsters enter their first season in the Arena Football One.
This is not about launching just another team. It is about building a franchise with purpose.
The Monsters will play at Amsoil Arena, a venue that places fans close to the action and creates the kind of intimate, electric environment where energy moves both ways. Arena Football One is fast, physical and high-scoring by design. It demands engagement. It rewards attention.
What excites me most is not just the pace of the game, but the opportunity to create something that belongs to the community.
Coach Clark brings a clear vision built on toughness, preparation and accountability. Lambert has emphasized from day one that this organization must serve Duluth, not just operate in it. That means supporting local businesses, creating a family-friendly experience and building something that can last.
My role with the Monsters will focus on brand development, fan engagement and community outreach. Those are not marketing buzzwords to me. They are the foundation of any successful sports organization. People do not fall in love with logos. They fall in love with moments, memories and the feeling that a team reflects who they are.
Duluth understands pride. It understands loyalty. It understands toughness.
Those values matter in sports. They matter even more when you are trying to build something new.
As the Monsters prepare for their Arena Football One debut, our goal is simple: deliver elite football, unforgettable live entertainment and a welcoming environment where fans of all ages feel connected to the team on the field.
Fast football. Close action. High energy.
The dream did not end in Madison Square Garden. It continues here, in Duluth, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.
